OROVILLE, CA (MPG) - The Butte County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved $6,500 in District 4 Priorities Funds to help the Butte County Fair complete renovations to its administration office in Gridley.

Supervisor Tod Kimmelshue, who represents the Gridley area, requested the allocation in a March 19 letter to county staff, noting that “the office building for the management of the Butte County Fairgrounds has been in need of repairs to the roof for several years.” The request followed a formal application submitted by Fair CEO Matt Reed, who outlined the next phase of the renovation project.

According to the application, the fairgrounds recently replaced water‑damaged and mold‑affected ceiling panels in the hallway after years of leaks and moisture issues. With that work complete, the new funding will allow the fair to replace the remaining ceiling panels throughout the office to create a uniform appearance. The project also includes rewiring outdated Ethernet and phone lines and installing recessed lighting to improve safety. “This phase will also include rewiring Ethernet and phone cables and installing recessed lighting to improve safety and prevent staff from hitting low-hanging fixtures,” the application states.

Fair officials said the improvements will benefit the public, vendors, partners, and event participants by creating a more professional and welcoming environment. The application notes that upgraded lighting and infrastructure “enhance workplace safety and operational efficiency, allowing staff to better serve the community.”

The Butte County Fairgrounds, located on East Hazel Street in Gridley, serves residents countywide and hosts year‑round events, livestock activities, community meetings, and the annual fair. Like many rural fairgrounds, the facilities date back decades and require ongoing maintenance to remain safe and functional.

The District Priorities Fund program allows each supervisor to direct a portion of their annual allocation to community organizations, nonprofits, and public agencies for projects that serve a public purpose. Recipients must document expenditures and submit a final report, ensuring transparency and accountability for the use of county funds.

District Priorities Funds are included in the county’s approved budget and require a majority vote of the board. The fair will submit its final report once the project is complete.