It may cost a little more to go to the Evergreen State Fair this year, if a proposed county ordinance is approved.

Councilmembers Brian Sullivan and Dave Somers have drafted a proposal to implement an admissions surcharge to county venues, specifically the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe and the Future of Flight at Paine Field.

The revenue generated from the tax would be directed back to the originating venue to pay for infrastructure improvements, economic development and educational programs. School groups visiting the venues would be exempt from the additional fee.

"In these tough economic times, we need to get creative to find solutions to needs that aren't going away and will only get more expensive with time," said Somers. "This charge would allow us to make some much-needed improvements to the fairgrounds and hopefully produce even more revenue and jobs."

State law permits counties to impose an admissions charge of not more than 5 percent of the ticket price. The county estimates the proposed surcharge would generate approximately $400,000 annually.

The County Council will assign the ordinance to a committee for further study and opportunities for public input will be available at a later date. Agendas for upcoming council meetings are available at www.snoco.org; follow the links for Council Webcasts.

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