Douglas County considers whether to charge nonprofits to use fairgrounds

The Douglas County Commission agreed Wednesday to put off a decision on whether to start charging some nonprofits to use the county fairgrounds, citing confusion about what types of organizations the new language would affect.

Under the current fee structure, youth organizations and nonprofits with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status are allowed to use the fairgrounds for free. The proposed changes to the fee structure would still allow county nonprofit youth groups free use of the fairgrounds, said Jill Jolicoeur, assistant to the county administrator. However, nonprofits with state 501(c)(3) certification would be asked to rent the grounds or facilities at a discounted rate of 50 percent from the standard charge. Nonprofits would, however, be allowed to apply for a fee waiver.