Stockholders of the Greenwood County Fair Association (GCFA) joined together on Tuesday, Feb. 4, for the organization’s annual meeting.
GCFA President Dr. Kailey Fitzmorris opened the meeting by sharing an update with stockholders. She shared that GCFA received a $2 million grant from the state of Kansas in September 2024. The board invested the money in interest- drawing accounts. Dr. Fitzmorris further elaborated noting that the state has only provided GCFA with half of the grant thus far. It was mentioned that the remaining $1 million would be made available to GCFA once the initial funds were spent. The GCFA board, comprised of President Dr. Fitzmorris, Vice President Justin Branine, Secretary Stacy Randle, Treasurer Tom Perrier, Jamie Nelson, Dr. Harold Garner, Craig Miller, Linda Snyder and Garry Edmondson, created a budget that was approved by the state. The state approved how the funds could be spent and will audit the GCFA quarterly.
It was also noted that the GCFA will be receiving 2/3 of the three percent tax revenue collected from the Golden Circle Casino, in Park City, once it opens. The other 1/3 will go to the Kansas Breed Program. It was also shared with the stockholders that state legislation is currently working on a bill that would give the casino 10% of the 3% for advertising in hopes to offset the cost of regulation and security for the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission. If the new bill is passed, the new bill will allow GCFA to receive operational funds to continue to upgrade the facility and run a live race meet without a term limit.
During the update, it was noted the GCFA has signed a contract with Melton Roofing to repair the roof of the Eureka Downs concourse building, along with downspouts and guttering. The fair board has also entered a contract with a race track engineer from Kentucky. The engineer will assist with the base of the track, drainage and possibly widening the south turn or enlarging the track. As of last Tuesday, multiple surveys had been conducted, including core samples to assist in fixing/ improving the base of the track. The GCFA has also purchased floats, equipment used behind a tractor to leave a perfectly flat race track surface, from Remington Park in Oklahoma.
Dr. Fitzmorris concluded the update by noting that the board’s immediate plan was to create a business plan for running of the track, getting blueprints and plans from the engineer on rebuilding the track surface, and meeting with the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission on what rules and regulations the association will be required to follow for the barns and track area.
The financial report was then presented by Treasurer Perrier, who noted the grant money will pay for the Fairgrounds Improvement Project. This project includes renovating the barns, concourse building, track, drainage and purchasing equipment. Perrier noted there may be a delay with completing portions of the projects as the GCFA waits to receive additional funds. It was shared that as the GCFA completes projects, they are required to submit invoices to the state, noting how the funds are spent. It was shared that a down payment was placed for the roofing project, which was estimated at a total of $150,000. After a question was asked about the funds only being spent on the track, Dr. Fitzmorris and Perrier reiterated that the grant funds could be used for the barns, concourse building, track, drainage and purchasing equipment; however, a large majority would be used to update the track to be ready for racing. Secretary Randle added that in order to have a crowd in the concourse building, certain things need to be renovated or repaired to get the building up to code. The board reminded the stockholders of other repairs needed at the facility, including: elevator repairs, heat and air, electrical and insulation. It was shared that the engineer report should be received within the next six weeks. The financials were approved as presented.
Legislative Update
Paul Treadwell gave a legislative update for lobbyist Michael O’Donnell. He noted that Governor Laura Kelly was in favor of the bill that was passed last year. However, Phil Ruffin (owner of the Golden Circle Casino) is hopeful a new bill will be approved that would amend the language to grant him a portion of the 3% obtained from the Historic Horse Racing (HHR) machines. The hope is that Ruffin would be able to utilize a percentage of those funds to advertise for both Golden Circle Casino and Eureka Downs, as well as policing the HHR machines. The bill, with the updated language, has passed in the House this session and if approved through the senate, would allow for the change, as well as solidifying those percentages to continue for future years.
Fair Update
Greenwood County Extension Agent Ben Sims gave a fair update. He shared that entries were up, in both open and 4-H/ FFA classes, last year. He introduced new Extension Agent Alisha Fisher and shared the proposed d a t e s for the 2025 fair were July 25-28.
Greenwood County Community Center
Nelson, who also serves on the Greenwood County Community Center (GC3) board, stated that the GC3 was formed after the Matt Samuels Community Building was sold. The GC3 board is comprised of four entities, Greenwood County, City of Eureka, Greenwood County Fair Board and the Greenwood County 4-H Foundation. Two representatives from each group, as well as one atlarge position, serve as the GC3 board. Nelson noted that the “community center” piece of the facility will not interfere with Eureka Downs race days, Greenwood County Fair days or Eureka Pro Rodeo days. It was further noted that these days will be decided on and reserved first. The building will then be able to be rented for use outside of those days. GCFA board member Snyder explained how racing is seasonal and the GCFA will have to set the race dates depending on other tracks that are also running.
Those wishing for more information on renting the facility are asked to contact the Eureka City Office. If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected].
Change Of MeetingTimes The stockholders approved changing the annual meeting time to 6 p.m. moving forward.
Election of Officers
The terms of Branine, Nelson and Snyder had been completed. With all three willing to continue serving, the stockholders approved to continue the slate of officers as they were in 2024. Branine, Nelson and Snyder were elected to serve another threeyear term.
Kansas Racing And Gaming Commission
DJ Lopez, with the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, introduced himself. He will work with the association and inform the group about any new rules or regulations that must be followed. After being asked if Eureka Downs would have slot machines, it was shared that Eureka Downs will have live and parimutuel racing (no slot machines).
The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
Director Edmondson was absent from the annual meeting.
The above article was created with the assistance of GCFA Secretary Randle.
