County raises concerns over Events Center costs

Curry County commissioners on Tuesday raised concerns about costs associated with the Curry County Events Center as it prepares to host the annual county fair in August.

One commissioner said costs have increased more than $200,000 since he took office less than two years ago.

“When I came on board (as a commissioner) the loss was put at $550,000. Then it was $650,000, now it’s $771,000. I’d like to get back to the $550,000 deficit,” Commissioner Brad Bender said.

Commissioner Seth Martin and County Manager Lance Pyle also raised cost concerns.

“After all the revenue the facilities will operate at a $647,269 loss plus management fee and incentive for a total loss of $771,977,” Pyle told The News after the meeting.

After the meeting, Curry County Finance Director Troy Hall shared a document outlining the upcoming annual budget.

Total operating expenses were put at $396,582.

Total indirect costs were put at just over $1 million.

Total gross revenue was $888,430.

The management fee, $92,028, goes to Oak View Group, the company that runs the facility.

“The majority of these facilities (nationwide) lose money. Without them, how are you going to bring people into your community to support the businesses,” Oak View Group District Manager Kevin Ortiz told commissioners.

Events Center General Manager K.C. Messick said he is hoping a planned new livestock pavilion will bring in increased revenue.

Pyle had expressed concern OVG was increasing its management fee. In response, OVG did not increase the fee for this year’s budget.

“I support this budget but I will not support a budget like this next year,” Pyle said.

Bender suggested looking into combining some staffers at the Curry County Events Center and the Clovis Civic Center, which is also operated by the Oak View Group.

In other business at Tuesday’s Commission meeting:

• Interim Curry County Adult Detention Center Superintendent Joe Alaniz gave his April/May report.

He said the center had an average daily population of 163 inmates. He said 17 baptisms were held.

Five computer cubicles will be coming for inmates working on their General Education Development.

• Monte Graham of Weil Construction gave a report to commissioners on the status of work at the county fairgrounds, anticipating if weather cooperates work should be done by county fair time.

• Commissioners prioritized county projects for the fiscal years 2026 to 2030 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan. The top priority is work on the Mounted Patrol Arena followed by county roads, the proposed recreation center, parking lot and lighting improvements for the county fairgrounds, an Events Center electronic sign to be located on Mabry Drive, the Commercial Barn at the fairgrounds, an equipment shed for the Road Department, fairgrounds fencing, the Behavioral Health Center and fairground RV space expansion