DocuSign Envelope ID: 59A73E5B-EF9C-415B-A7BC-ADBDCF78731C

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

200 WEST BROADWAY ST.
MISSOULA, MT 59802-4292

PHONE: (406) 258-4877

FAX: (406) 721-4043
BCC 2020-103
July 2, 2020

Dear 4-H/FFA families and ice community members,

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the Missoula County Fairgrounds and to
improving its facilities, which are used and treasured by so many community members. We
recognize that our long-time partnership with you is one of the key reasons the Fairgrounds is
now headed in the right direction. We truly value the potential community benefits of new ice
and livestock facilities at the Fairgrounds, and we appreciate your efforts to make them a reality.

The Fairgrounds serve many key community groups, and we are pleased and not surprised to
learn that results of polling last fall indicate broad support through likely approval of a bond
issue. Unfortunately, because this outreach took place before the COVID-19 pandemic, the
resulting economic downturn, and changes to the 2020 fair, they do not reflect the current
situation. Another poll, after time to process the fallout of this crisis, is necessary before moving
forward with a ballot question to the voters.

As elected officials, we hear from Missoula residents that the pandemic is causing them
economic hardship. And we see this playout through high unemployment, reduced incomes,
and reduced capacity for businesses to operate. Missoula County government itself witnesses
this reality first-hand, as we experience increased tax delinquencies, demonstrating the financial
strain COVID has put on taxpayers. With the future of the virus and its impact still uncertain, we
are especially mindful to always consider whether any issue might increase financial stress.

Unfortunately, for these reasons the time is not right to place a bond issue for Fairgrounds
improvements on the November 2020 ballot. We look forward to continuing our partnership
going forward and hope to make this ask of voters in an election in the near future. In the
meantime, we hope you’ll continue your work for 4-H/FFA and ice programs and new facilities to
house them, which we are certain will add significant value to the Fairgrounds and community
as a whole.

Sincerely,
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

___________________________________
Josh Slotnick, Chair

___________________________________
David Strohmaier, Commissioner

___________________________________
BCC/ac Juanita Vero, Commissioner

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