The Grimes County Fairgrounds is changing up their renting policies.
At Wednesday’s meeting of Commissioner’s Court, Commissioner Phillip Cox and Building Maintenance Manager Rodney Floyd discussed more security options outside the Grimes County Sheriff’s Office, to give renters more security choices, should the Sheriff’s Office be short staffed.
But, on the list of big changes on the docket first: the requirement for increased law enforcement presence at events.
“We changed the number of security personnel required for an event. There would need to be at least two (2) in the Main Hall for the first 100 anticipated attendees, and an additional one (1) officer for every 100 anticipated attendees over the original 100,” said Commissioner Cox.
Navasota PD and Todd Mission PD both were included as security options.
Another big change is that full payment for use of the facility needs to be done 60 days in advance, instead of 30 days. Floyd said that was to prepare of potential credit card use when reserving the facilities, and avoiding people booking events then canceling credit cards without payment. .
Cox mentioned, however, an increase in the overall deposit.
“The deposit as only ever been $300 thus far. As [Rodney Floyd] has pointed out, in the event some sort of damage comes…it is probably not going to be covered by a $300 deposit,” said Cox.
The deposit increase will be from $300 to $2,500 per day. Rental rate for main hall increased to $3,500 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday rentals, but remain $2,500 per day Monday thru Thursday. There is also $500 per day for additional set up days prior to event.
The new rules also state the requirement for events to be ended, and the facilities emptied out, by 1 am.
County Attorney Jon Fultz also added that, should a renter not provide proof of security being established for their event, their event can be canceled.
This will not change rates for anyone already booked for use, and only applies to those booking for future use.
Commissioner’s approved the changes to the renting policy at the fairgrounds.