Navajo County Fairground Board Chairman Rusty DeSpain presented an economic impact report to the Holbrook City Council during their meeting last week, highlighting that in 2024, fairground events generated approximately $878,000 in direct revenue and an estimated $3.1 to $4.6 million in regional economic activity, drawing 57,000 people throughout the year.
DeSpain emphasized that beyond the annual fair, the fairgrounds host 68 additional events each year.
The fairgrounds are facing infrastructure challenges, notably the deteriorating grandstands. DeSpain reported that the state fire marshal provided three years, which is now two years, to upgrade the grandstands, which will cost anywhere from $5 million to $6 million. A key project proposed through congressional and state grants involves increasing seating capacity from the current 2,200 to approximately a little over 5,000. DeSpain explained that expanded seating is essential because currently, “we can’t hold an event in that arena and sell enough tickets to pay for it”.
DeSpain noted ongoing dependence on city and state funds and cautioned that if state funding is cut, it would significantly impact event operations. “If our governor cuts our governor’s fund, it basically puts us out of business,” he stated. However, he assured the council, “Yes, you will still see a fair, but it will be very downsized.”
The council also heard a presentation from Cisco Lerma, president of the Holbrook Men’s Golf Association, who described extensive improvements at the Hidden Cove Golf Course. Recent enhancements included green aeration partially funded by the city, successful fundraising for new tee-box signage, and tee-box maintenance involving new sod, seed and mulch. Lerma highlighted the crucial support received from Winslow members, who have about 20 members that help out.
Lerma expressed the urgent need for additional city support, particularly for tree trimming and clubhouse renovations. Regarding golf carts, he noted the shortage currently affecting tournament capacities. “Right now, we’ve got 10 functional golf carts,” he said, explaining that the lack of carts limits tournament participation and revenue. A single upcoming tournament already had 40 players, and there are not enough carts.
Lerma told the council the use of the course for charity tournaments, stating, “Every time we throw a tournament, that tournament has always raised a few dollars for the people that need it.” Lerma concluded the presentation by inviting the council to a tournament they are holding at 8 a.m. this Saturday, June 21.
During council updates, Mayor Kathleen Smith praised the success of the recent Old West Fest and Route 66 Festival, noting it featured “over 77 entries in the car show.” She also highlighted the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony for Northland Pioneer College’s student-built home scheduled for Tuesday of this week. Additionally, Mayor Smith announced the establishment of a new teen center funded by the nonprofit Grow Arizona, of which Smith is a co-founder.
Vice Mayor Mike Nilsson praised the city’s recent street-cleaning efforts, particularly on Arizona Street, but expressed frustration about frequent extended waits at railroad crossings, citing recent incidents where he waited “more than 15 minutes four times this week”.
Councilmember Robert Black acknowledged collaborative efforts with Navajo County to address the railroad crossing issue but emphasized the need for state and federal assistance to implement long-term solutions. Councilmember Tammy Church and Councilmember Teri Tafoya both praised the recent community car show and the visibility it provided Holbrook.
City Manager Randy Sullivan provided detailed updates on various city projects, including repainting the carriage at Hunt Park, curb improvements and cleaning the recycling yard ahead of Carbon Utility’s scheduled move-in. Sullivan discussed ongoing challenges with the splash pad, urging residents not to flush “wipes or paper towels down the toilet” due to severe plumbing issues that result.
Regarding railroad concerns, Sullivan informed the council about ongoing coordination with Navajo County and a planned comprehensive rail study, potentially addressing issues such as quiet zones. He noted the significant cost, “upwards of a million dollars,” for implementing a quiet zone due to necessary safety measures and studies.
The council concluded by entering executive session to discuss a legal matter related to a separation agreement with former city manager Sharon Jakubowski Wolz of which they approved.
During the meeting the council also approved a resolution ordering a calling for a special election for Nov. 4, for which they will accept submissions for amendments to the city charter.
