Fair Board clarifies emergency meeting issue

McCOOK, Neb. — Red Willow County Fair Board members recently recapped an issue they had with an emergency meeting that ultimately resulted in an auditor write-up for violating state regulations pertaining to sealed bids. Board members pointed out during last week’s regularly scheduled meeting the issue was rectified by the fair board at the time and a county commissioner in attendance similarly downplayed the issue as a common mistake other county entities have committed.

“After there was concern about it, then we came back and had a legal meeting in the fair board and it was voted on,” said Board Vice President Don Klein, adding “so, it was rectified within the fair board itself.”

Red Willow County Commissioner Earl McNutt attended the meeting and indicated the initial Gazette story didn’t include Klein’s mentioned details. “And the paper didn’t quote that,” said McNutt, prompting another board member to add, “they don’t always quote ‘em right.”

McNutt went on to say the action was ultimately approved properly and other county entities had committed similar mistakes.

“It’s hard to second guess everything but, yes, you guys did go back. You went through the proper channels and it was all done legally. And we had a couple other issues within the county that are similar to the same type of situations that, you know, every once in awhile we get called on. It’s one of those cases where sometimes we forget what the laws are,” said McNutt.

“Or don’t know, to begin with, don’t look into it enough,” added Fair Board Manager Deb Lafferty.

McNutt attributed the situation, at least in part, to having new board members.

“Most of us that have been involved long enough obviously know, but certainly when we switch board members not all of you are aware of these things and those things happen. Similar situation with the sheriff,” said McNutt.

Board members were referred to a copy of the open meetings act that was handed out at the beginning of the meeting for additional information on state requirements for calling an emergency meeting and other specifics. Lafferty also indicated Red Willow County Commissioners were a good resource if questions arose.

Other action during Wednesday’s meeting:

* Bob Logan was elected board president, Don Klein was re-elected as vice president and Deb Korte was elected secretary/treasurer.

* Board members discussed two bands under contract for the upcoming Red Willow County Fair. “Jason Boland” is scheduled to open and the “The Cleverlys” are under contract to close.

The fair is still looking for a headlining act and The Cleverlys were described as a bluegrass/comedy act, which organizers hope will help capture some of the later crowd that has historically left as soon as the headlining act finished.

* Financial reports including a prior month banking summary, two-page fiscal year budget report and a report recapping fair board claims turned in for January of 2018 were received and approved.

The one-page banking summary for December of 2017 reported $11,885 in revenue and $24,157 in expenses for the month. The income was broken into 11 specific categories, including the top three sources as Kiplinger Rent at $2,871; Misc. Income bringing in $2,723; and $2,520 in Kiplinger Stalls.

The $24,157 in monthly expenses were listed as “Uncategorized.”