Concerns about racing returning to Pinal County Fairgrounds

Several residents have expressed concerns over recent news that racing might not return to the racetrack at the Pinal County Fairgrounds. Several people cite how important the track is to their families because it provides wholesome family activity and entertainment that keeps our young people off the streets. We agree and are working toward a solution that we hope will result in racing returning to the Fairgrounds very soon.

As many of you are aware, there has been a management change at the Fairgrounds. Among the many things we reviewed since that time were the various contracts, policies and procedures. Leasing the Fairgrounds – whether for a wedding, party, retreat or, in this case, the racetrack – is one of the areas that our staff examined especially closely.

There is no legally enforceable agreement in place to lease the racetrack portion of the Fairgrounds. There is a contract-like document but it was never submitted to the Board of Supervisors for approval, to Risk Management or to our insurer for review. Arizona state law (A.R.S. Section 11-256) specifically outlines the terms under which county property can be leased, and no agreement exists that meet these standards.

So where are we now? Pinal County is actively working with the track operator and his attorney. We hope to resolve this cooperatively and reach an interim agreement that will allow us to finish this racing season. We are working diligently to have a permanent agreement in place for the upcoming 2009 season. The county is launching a formal bid process that meets Arizona law, will establish a legal agreement with the winning bidder and submit the agreement to the Board of Supervisors for approval.

All three Supervisors agree that the racetrack is a great family amenity for Pinal County residents and tourism. District 3 Supervisor David Snider is monitoring the process in the hopes that the track operator will work cooperatively with Pinal County to resolve this.

We care about all of our residents and are interested in diverse tourism and recreational opportunities. We want to keep our young people entertained, our families enjoying recreation close to home and value the tourism that the track brings. We also must conduct our business fairly, openly and in accordance with state laws. We hope you will agree that this is what citizens should expect of their government.

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