Fair board eyes new water truck; commissioners say fair fund remaining cash could cover purchase

The Teton County fairgrounds asked the commission to approve purchase of a water truck to support events and dust control; a fair representative said the request is a safety matter and that the fair has remaining cash in its fund sufficient to cover a modest purchase.

Fairgrounds staff noted they could source a truck that would not require a commercial driver license and that using the fair fund's remaining cash (about $37,000 cited in the discussion) would not affect the county's general‑fund reserves. "We can stay within that," the fair manager said, noting the purchase was intended to address a life‑safety concern around events and dust control.

Commissioners agreed the vehicle would be an operational asset for the fairgrounds but cautioned that the fair fund's remaining cash would not necessarily be replenished and that the board expects the fair board to prioritize essential equipment. County staff said the fair fund remaining cash is distinct from general‑fund remaining cash; using it would not change the countywide carryover calculation but would reduce that fund's own balance.

The fair board was asked to confirm the purchase request and to present final vendor quotes and maintenance cost estimates so the commissioners could confirm use of fair fund remaining cash at a subsequent meeting. No purchase was approved at the July 7 session.