The Plumas County Fair and Fairgrounds have come under scrutiny following a recent interim report by the Plumas County Civil Grand Jury and discussions during the Board of Supervisors’ mid-year budget review on April 8.
The 2025-2026 grand jury report, released April 1, highlighted significant concerns regarding inadequate funding and insufficient staffing within the county fair department. The report detailed deteriorating conditions at the 62-acre fairgrounds, notably the horse arena and Equine Events Center. Structures dating back to 1958, including the horse barn complex, exhibit extensive wear such as broken boards, rotting timbers, and damaged fencing, posing safety risks. Storm damage has also affected the warm-up area near the arena.
The grand jury attributed much of the disrepair to a lack of dedicated maintenance funding and the absence of a fiscal coordinator position eliminated over a decade ago due to budget cuts. Currently, the fair director assumes all financial responsibilities, increasing the risk of accounting issues during large events. With only two full-time staff members—the fair director and a maintenance supervisor—both frequently work extensive overtime, particularly in the busy summer months.
Financially, the fair department has struggled with revenue shortfalls and overspending. Although revenues from various events and reimbursements, including a $780,000 federal reimbursement following the 2021 Dixie Fire, have supported operations, the grand jury found an average annual deficit of approximately $338,600 over the past three budget years. The department also loaned nearly $600,000 to the county jail construction, which was later repaid.
The Plumas Sierra County Fair Foundation has supplemented the department through fundraising and donations, contributing around $120,000 in recent years toward improvements and prize money. However, the grand jury noted the lack of a formal system to track multiple revenue streams and expenditures undermines effective financial planning and maintenance prioritization.
To address these issues, the grand jury recommended forming an ad hoc committee to strategize improvements to the equine facilities and funding approaches. They also advised standardizing office and fiscal procedures, including implementing maintenance logs, complaint tracking, and preventive maintenance systems.
In response, the Plumas County Board of Supervisors approved a $350,000 transfer from the county general fund to the fair department during their April 8 mid-year budget review. This allocation includes $134,000 for wages, $86,000 for professional
