VALENTINE, Neb. - The Cherry County Board of Commissioners approved a $20,000 grant to the Cherry County Ag Society for water infrastructure at the fairgrounds in Valentine.

As News Channel Nebraska reported last month, the commissioners initially held off on approving the request, citing concerns over transparency. At the time, the Ag Society said the money would help build a new bathhouse. However, money previously earmarked for the project had been used to pay other bills.

Now the Ag Society wants to use the money for water infrastructure, which is needed for the Nebraska High School Rodeo Finals at the fairgrounds in June.

“You do have a commitment to the High School Rodeo Finals. I wouldn’t want to see you breach a contract. It would be a big black eye for the town,” said commissioner Martin DeNaeyer.

However, the funding approval didn’t come without a lot of discussion.

“I’m not willing to dedicate more money to an organization that’s not doing a good job with transparency and accountability,” said commissioner Nina Nelson. “Taxpayers are not going to be happy with a board that isn’t transparent and accountable.”

Commissioners also raised questions about the Ag Society’s finances—especially how the group plans to pay a large bill due in August, while also hosting major events like the rodeo finals and the Cherry County Fair.

“I don’t see plans for the large amount of money that’s due in August. Then we’re putting more money in for more projects. It’s very concerning to me,” said Nelson.

Despite the concerns, the board ultimately approved the funding through a Visitor Promotion grant.