Walla Walla County Fairgrounds reviews insurance requirements, reworks event operations and continues DOC contract
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Summary
Fairgrounds staff reported increased bookings, new lighting system, parking and rodeo format changes, and continued work with insurance experts to update event coverage; commissioners approved an annual contract with the Washington State Department of Corrections Class 4 crew.
The Walla Walla County Fairgrounds director told commissioners on June 2 that May facilities and event activity increased compared with last year and that the fairgrounds is continuing work on sponsorships, ticket sales and permanent lighting. Director Greg Leibach said the new lights are in service and will reduce rental costs estimated previously at about $13,000.
Leibach said the fairgrounds are full for grandstand acts and several events returned this year, such as a spring fling and high‑school rodeo that drew strong interest. He described adjustments to rodeo scheduling after a proposed “progressive” format was rejected by the PRCA; the committee will run a single‑head format this year and monitor turnout.
The board also approved authorizing the chair to execute contract K12508 with the Washington State Department of Corrections (Washington State Penitentiary) to secure class 4 work crews used for grounds and event support. Commissioners praised the DOC crews as cost‑effective and professional.
Separately, fairgrounds staff briefed the board on a recent meeting with an insurance expert to reassess event coverage and limits. Director Leibach summarized the expert’s guidance: higher nominal policy limits may not be meaningful without understanding how pooled/excess coverage layers respond. He and Commissioner Clayton said they will consult the county’s risk pool and return with proposed changes to insurance requirements for fairground events.