MADISON, Neb.— The Madison County Fairgrounds are a booming and hot place in July, but in the much colder month of November is when the decisions happen that make that possible.

That’s when the fair board holds their annual meeting which includes a vote on new members. The board is made up of 15 people who make the decisions for how the fair and the grounds are ran.

“Every year five members of the board can choose to step down for file their little letter of intent to be reelected,” Fair Board President Randy Ritterbush said.

The process starts on November 1st when the letter of intent is due from candidates, who will serve three year terms.

This year, five spots are up for election, four board members are up for reelection and six candidates are running.

Voters from Norfolk to Newman Grove can stop in and vote for this board.

“It is open to all registered Madison County voters so I think it’s important to make sure all the tax payers know when the voting is so they can vote on their representatives that take care of the property tax dollars,” Candidate Kendra Barnes said.

The vote happens on November 17 at 7 P.M. at the Madison County Fair Office, voters must be in person, as this election is not on the normal ballot. During the annual meeting voters will sign in, get verified, and vote. The top five candidates will be elected onto the board.

The board has no say on the cost of property taxes for voters, the Madison County Board of Commissioners decides how much the board receives.

“Probably 60% of our budget is actually spent during fair week on grounds acts and rodeo and entertainers,” Ritterbush said. “We are obligated to support the 4-H program financially. So that means we buy the ribbons and the plaques and the trophies and there are no charges for them using the building year round.”

A set minimum of around $500,000 a year is given to the board to use for things like wages, utilities, and of course, the fair.

The board can ask for more tax dollars from the county for things like repairs or additions for buildings.