Solano County looks to turn fairgrounds from red to black

County looks to turn fairgrounds from red to black

By Barry Eberling | DAILY REPUBLIC | December 31, 2009 17:28

FAIRFIELD - Solano County in 2010 will try to transform its Vallejo fairgrounds into a money-making enterprise -- or at least one that breaks even.

The Solano County Fair Association for 2009 reports having $3.5 million in revenues and $3.8 million in expenses. It made up the deficit of more than $300,000 with savings. Besides being home to the five-day annual county fair, the fairgrounds has a golf course and buildings that are rented out to various groups throughout the year.

'Clearly, 2009 resulted in a significant structural deficit, caused by many economy-driven factors, including the continuing decline of horse racing revenue, fewer year-round events by outside promoters and soft leisure activity spending,' fair General Manager Michael Paluszak wrote in a report.

The operating budget for this year shows $3.42 million in revenues and $3.39 million in expenses. Yet the original 2009 budget also showed a slight profit that never materialized.

Solano County supervisors will vote on the fair budget when they meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday in their chamber at 675 Texas St.

See the complete story at the Daily Republic online.