HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Governor Sam Brownback has encouraged the Kansas State Fair Board to self-finance any improvements that it would like to make. The Hutchinson News reports that Brownback met with the board on Thursday. Board president Tom Tunnell has expressed interest in using Sales Tax Revenue Bonds as a funding mechanism. The Kansas State Fair is fee-funded agency, but is experiencing rising expenses and a need to improve buildings, including the Expo Center and the Bison Arena. Brownback says he doesn't think state fair improvements match the intention of the bonds. According to the governor, it's difficult for an entity like the state fair to compete with schools for state aid. Brownback has previously urged other agencies, like the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, to self-finance as well.
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