The Burleigh County Commission approved the capital improvement budget for the fairgrounds but is concerned the $260,000 will be spent in one year.

The Missouri Valley Com-Plex Authority met Monday afternoon to review the Bismarck Park and Recreation District's proposed budget for the fairgrounds, which is now under its management. District Director Steve Neu presented the budget to the county commissioners Monday evening.

Improvements will include: paving of the fairgrounds main road, which stretches from the west entrance on Bismarck Expressway to the north access on Highway 10 and the Extension office parking lot; site and dirt work for the rodeo grounds; insulation of the 4-H Exhibit Hall attached to the Extension building; and signage at one or both of the entrances.

The total cost is estimated at $275,000, but Neu said that, if the National Guard will undertake the dirt work on the rodeo grounds and with competitive bidding, the work could come within the $260,000 made available by the county. The 4-H Club also is committing $15,000 to improvements of the Exhibit Hall. Hopes are to have all the work done this summer.

"What are the plans for next year and after, since you've spent everything that is there?" Commissioner Scott Johnson asked.

Commissioner Claus Lembke, who chairs the Authority, said that the park district will be dedicating money to capital improvements of the fairgrounds should voters approve the People, Parks and Places initiative, which raises the city sales tax a half-percent.

He said that, should the initiative fail, the commission has informally dedicated proceeds from the sale of 29 acres the county owns just north of Yegen Road, which was extended from the Apple Creek intersection to Expressway.

"We've come to the conclusion that the county would not be wise to sell the property this year, maybe consider next year or two years. There are some estimates that the land could be worth twice the amount next year. We've had some inquiries from a farm supply store and a truck stop," Lembke said.

Neu said that, should the initiative pass, the fairgrounds is included as a specific project and the budget allocation is $3 million over six years.

Commissioner Marlan Haakenson took the opportunity to say he is opposed to the sales tax increase.

"It's a Christmas tree bill with a little something for everyone so they'll vote for it. I feel each of the projects should be voted on individually," Haakenson said. "The only way I would support the increase is if all the revenue is used to reduce property taxes."

The park district also receives $75,000 annually, $25,000 which it contributes along with the same amounts from the county and city. The money is used for maintenance and operations, paying for a full-time employee to manage the fairgrounds. Neu said he estimates another $5,000 will come through leases and rentals of property, though the district is currently working on permit and lease language and costs.

There was some discussion about committing improvement money to the Extension building and rodeo grounds. It was said that the county does own the Extension building, but the state's attorney will have to clear the spending on the rodeo grounds. Funds only can be spent on features listed in the fairground master plan and there is some question on whether the rodeo grounds is mentioned.

Neu said the master plan does reference an outdoor arena, and this would appear to include the rodeo grounds.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@;bismarcktribune.com.)