Fair Association asks Macon County for security, Wi‑Fi and lighting improvements; board requests cost estimates

Dennis Conley, co‑chair of the Macon County Fair Association, and Jamie Brooks of the county horse association told commissioners the fairgrounds recently invested in a new horse arena but need a security system, buried wiring and in‑building Wi‑Fi so vendors can accept electronic payments. The associations said a basic security and camera setup would cost about $20,000; burying wiring from the Alumni Building to camera locations would add about $3,000.

Presenters also noted the vendor survey prioritized Wi‑Fi and said improved lighting would reduce energy and improve camera image quality. Commissioners asked staff to gather power‑company pricing and additional quotes for camera and lighting options and to plan next‑month follow up so the board could act during the budget season. The board did not commit county funds at the meeting but encouraged the associations to provide detailed estimates.