By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspodent
Fees for using Juab County buildings and the county fairgrounds have now increased for those living inside the county.
Those living outside the county will continue to pay a higher rate than in-county residents do.
"After January 1," said Byron Woodland, commissioner, "the new fee schedule will go into effect."
Jamie Garrett, Juab County Fair and Events Coordinator, attended Juab County Commission meeting to present for consideration the increase in fees.
Commissioners approved the new fee schedule "with any possible modifications" and also decided that those who want to use the arena or other facilities for free or for a reduced rate need to meet with the commission in person to make that request. That includes all those who have been using the buildings, arena or grounds for years without returning to the commission to discuss the arrangement.
"I have never seen a list of those who are using county facilities under special terms," said Rick Carlton, commissioner.
"On the fee schedule it says that all special events and ticketed events must meet with the commissioners before using the facilities," said Garrett.
Those using county facilities should meet with the commission at least every two years, Carlton said.
Those using facilities under special terms would then get an idea of what a benefit they were getting from using the county-owned property under an individualized agreement, said Byron Woodland, commissioner.
The big arena, which used to be available for $15 per hour or $100 per day will now cost $30 per hour if no work is required. "If full preparation is required (taking five hours or more to prepare), it will cost $250 per day to rent.
The arena surface required a great deal of care, both in preparation and in keeping the ground safe for participants during an event, said Chad Winn, commission chairman. A piece of equipment known as the Black Widow has to be used to keep the horses' and cattle's hoofs from making the ground uneven between events.
"During the high school rodeo," said Winn, "we have to make a run (with the equipment) after every ten rides. It takes out the horses' tracks."
The indoor barn will now cost $25 per hour and will take a $50 deposit. The fee was $15 an hour or $100 per day. Full preparation of the barn requiring five hours or more, will cost $200 per day.
Garrett said that there were several individuals and groups who had already reserved one or more of the areas the county allows to be rented. That had been done at the old fee.
"Do we charge them under the old fee schedule or the new one?" she asked.
Those who will use the facilities before January 1 will pay under the current fee schedule and those who have reserved for dates after that will pay under the new schedule.
The cultural hall and senior citizen's meeting room will both be rented for $25 per hour, $150 per day and will require a $150 deposit which will be returned after the cleanup is complete. Those fees used to be $15 per hours, $100 per day, and there used to be a $100 deposit.
Garrett said she had checked with several rural counties in the state that are close by and found that the new fees match very well with those charged by others.
"The new fees are very competitive," said Garrett.
In some areas, even with the increases, the residents of the county are still getting a good deal. For example, when the county multipurpose building is rented, the kitchen comes with the rest of the building at no extra fee. Most other counties when renting similar facilities charge extra for the kitchen.
The multipurpose building rents for $35 per hour, $200 per day and requires a $200 deposit. The fees, before the change were $25 and $150.
The recreation building will now cost $25 per hour, up from $15, $150 per day, up from $100, and will require a $150 deposit, up from $100.
The concession stands will rent for $25 per hour, $100 a day and $200 deposit. Those fees used to be $15, $100 and had a $100 deposit.
There will also be no rental after October1 on the concession stands and the outdoor arena.
The county had not always adhered to that ruling in the past, depending on the weather and the event.
One new item, said Garrett, was the stipulation that all those who want to hold a wedding at one of the facilities needs to rent that area for two days.
"It always takes that long to set up and to clean up afterwards," she said.
RV hook ups will cost $15 per day.
Garrett said that she gets calls from people as far away as Canada who are hauling animals and would like to stop at the county fairgrounds with their trucks. She has requests for people wanting to stay the night and from those who would also like to let their horses out of the cramped quarters they travel in.
Currently, allowing that is difficult because all the power must be turned on to all of the units. There is not a way to turn the power on to just one site.
"In March 2015, we could walk over that area and see what we could do to make it more amenable for an overnight stay," said Carlton.
"They all call wanting to know what we charge, so they are willing to pay," said Garrett.
Some county equipment will available for rent at $30 per meter hour.
Riding passes will now be required.
Everyone must obtain a riding pass/signed waiver.
"The pass will include the indoor barn and the two outside arenas," said Garrett. "The big arena lights will be locked."
A single riding pass was $50 yearly and is now $75 yearly.
"I added a youth pass," said Garrett.
The youth pass will be for riders age 18 and younger and will cost $40 for a yearly pass.
A family pass will continue to be available and will cost $125. It used to be $$100 yearly.
