Fair plans go to vote

The Orange County Board of Supervisors and Costa Mesa City Council are scheduled to vote separately today on placing a joint bid for the Orange County Fairgrounds.

County and city officials declined to say Monday how much money Orange County and Costa Mesa would be willing to invest in buying the 150-acre fairgrounds together. They said revealing such information could tip their hand to rival bidders.

State officials hope to fetch between $80 million and $190 million for the fairgrounds.

If the supervisors approve a memorandum of understanding with Costa Mesa, the county auditor-controller will set aside a required minimum payment to the state of $50,000, to be presented along with the bid, according to county records. The state requires $50,000 from any party bidding for the 150-acre fairgrounds, according to the request for proposal that it issued in October.

The county has funds set aside for investment purposes, of which a portion could be used to buy the fairgrounds, said Supervisor John Moorlach. Costa Mesa does not plan to spend local taxpayers’ money for a purchase, said City Manager Allan Roeder. He wouldn’t disclose how the city plans to pay for it, adding that it’s too early to say.

The supervisors and the City Council oppose the sale, and have been trying to persuade Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger not to the sell the property. But they are keeping a purchase as an option to maintain local control of the fairgrounds and preserve its use.

However, if a developer succeeds in obtaining the property, the city still would have the final say on how the property can be used.

Moorlach and Roeder defended the city and county’s efforts at a joint purchase, arguing that gaining control would ensure that the fairgrounds stay a fair and exposition center.

The county is representing itself and the city in the bidding process, even though they would be equal partners if they place the winning bid, Moorlach said.

The City Council will discuss the issue at a special meeting after coming out of closed session, set for 5 p.m. at City Hall, 77 Fair Drive. The supervisors will meet to discuss the fairgrounds in open session at 9:30 a.m. They will also talk about the fairgrounds in closed session. The supervisors hold their meetings at 10 Civic Center Plaza, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana.