Hancock County, 4-H leaders at odds over $18M fairgrounds

Leaders of a central Indiana county and the local 4-H group are at odds over who should control a proposed $18 million project for a new county fairgrounds.

Plans call for the Hancock County 4-H Agricultural Association to handle operating expenses under a 50-year lease of the county-owned site along U.S. 40 just east of Greenfield. The county would pay about $12 million toward building the fairgrounds, with the 4-H group expected to raise $6 million.

The 4-H group would like to make project decisions about the site, including what gets built and who builds it, the Daily Reporter of Greenfield reported.

The association's president said it is focused on creating a quality fairgrounds without burdening taxpayers. However, County Commissioner Brad Armstrong says elected officials must keep oversight of taxpayer money.

Plans for the new fairgrounds include a large livestock show arena with three barns attached and a multi-purpose building.