SHAWANO, WI- A discussion between Shawano County officials and the Shawano County Agricultural Society focused on communication, maintenance responsibilities, and the future relationship between the two groups.
Ag Society Treasurer Bob Krause addressed the Shawano County Board’s Executive Committee, responding to concerns raised during a previous meeting about the operation of the fairgrounds and how county funds are used.
Krause told supervisors the Ag Society is a private organization and does not receive county operating funding. He said money provided by the county through the farm fund is used for maintenance of county-owned fairgrounds property under the lease agreement.
“The Ag Society has never received county funding through the operations of the fairgrounds,” Krause said. “We act as a flow through for the maintenance of the property.”
Krause said the organization provides financial information through annual audits and works to maintain transparency while protecting certain security details involving fair operations.
The discussion comes after questions were raised about maintenance projects, bidding practices, and the roles of the county and Ag Society in managing the fairgrounds.
Krause said the two sides need to clarify responsibilities under the lease agreement, especially as county staff and committee members have changed in recent years.
“We need to have a meeting with the committee. We need to know what our roles are,” Krause said.
Former Ag Society President Dale Hodkiewicz also addressed the committee, highlighting the history of the fairgrounds and the improvements made over the years. He said the Ag Society helped bring the organization out of significant debt more than two decades ago and has continued making improvements through fundraising, donations, and volunteer work.
Hodkiewicz said past projects have included improvements to water lines, parking areas, lighting, and buildings, much of which was completed with donated labor and materials.
“We made huge improvements,” Hodkiewicz said. “The Ag Society is giving back a lot to the county in time and money.”
County Supervisor Lynn Tober-Steinke said the concerns are not about ending the relationship with the Ag Society, but about ensuring county procedures are followed and communication remains open.
She said the county provides maintenance funding and has a responsibility to ensure accountability for taxpayer dollars.
“We have to follow the processes and procedures,” Tober-Steinke said. “That’s the only thing that we’re looking at.”
One area of disagreement involved maintenance projects where Ag Society members have completed work themselves rather than using outside contractors. Ag Society members argued that completing projects internally can save the county money, while county officials said questions about insurance, liability, and procedures must also be considered.
Both sides agreed that improved communication is needed moving forward.
Krause invited county officials to visit the fairgrounds and said the Ag Society wants to continue working with the county to maintain what he called one of the best fairs in Wisconsin.
“We need to communicate,” Krause said. “We want to be good stewards of your property, our property.”
No action was taken during the discussion. County and Ag Society representatives indicated they plan to continue conversations to clarify responsibilities before the upcoming Shawano County Fair.
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