The Burleigh County Commission and Burleigh County Park Board reached a consensus on entering into a contract with the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District to manage the Missouri Valley Fairgrounds, though details still have to be worked out.

Both the commission and park board met during the course of Tuesday's Burleigh County Commission meeting since commissioners also make up the majority of the park board.

The Missouri Valley Complex Authority, which has representatives from the Burleigh Commission and Park Board along with the City of Bismarck and Bismarck Park District have put together a draft proposal for the Bismarck Park District to manage the fairgrounds.

The draft is now being presented to the various commissions and boards for consideration.

Besides the $270,000 Burleigh County has committed to the fairgrounds, the proposal calls for the county and City of Bismarck to each provide $25,000 annually for management of the fairgrounds, while the Bismarck Park District will provide $25,000 in in-kind services.

Commissioner Marlan Haakenson didn't like a provision that says any revenue coming from the sale of fairground property "must" be used in the development of the fairgrounds. He also questioned other provisions and said until these matters were taken care of he wouldn't support the contract.

Commissioners Scott Johnson and Claus Lembke, both of whom are members of the complex authority,pointed out they were only looking at a draft proposal and there is still time for changes.

Bismarck Park District Director Steve Neu said that the City of Bismarck would be addressing the issue tonight in the City Commission meeting, and the Bismarck Park Board wouldn't be taking up the issue until its March 17 meeting. Hopes are to have a final contract ready by April for all involved jurisdictions to consider.

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