Planned new rodeo arena triggers split among Crooked River Ranch residents

(Updated: adding video, comments from both sides in dispute)

Homeowners association, some residents split on views of planned rodeo arena

CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Scenic views and in the heart of cowboy country, Crooked River Ranch has proven to be a good spot for a rodeo. Last year, a crowd gathered in June for the return of the Buckin' in the Canyon Rodeo, the first such event in 20 years. Thousands of people attended, and the crowd and participants quickly outgrew the current arena.

As a result, the Crooked River Ranch Club & Maintenance Association proposed a new arena and parking lot be built in an empty lot near Horny Hollow and Buffalo roads.

The project would cost about $33,000, of which $10,000 is coming from Jefferson County commissioners. Bill Burt, president of the association, says none of the funding will come from residents' pockets, but a lodging tax from visitors.

Burt says the contract for the arena was signed on Thursday and work to prepare the land has already begun.

However, some homeowners in CRR are upset, saying they don't want the new arena.

Kevin Fiet has lived in Crooked River Ranch for two years. He says there's been little transparency in the board's plans, including rodeo organizers having family connections with the board's executive director.

"It's not even so much that we don't want it, it's that it was basically passed without the residents even knowing about it," Fiet said. "Then on top of that, most of the board members themselves didn't know about it."

Burt, however, said he feels the board effectively communicated plans to the community and says he welcomes public input.

"You're welcome to send me an email, my phone number is on the website -- you want to talk great," Burt told NewsChannel 21 on Friday.

But Fiet feels differently.

"I would like to see honesty and transparency from the board of directors," Fiet said. "And hey, if it comes back that we're wrong about this, then great. But if we're not wrong, then it would be nice to have some outside attention on it."

"Because the way they have it structured right now, the residents don't really have a voice at all," Fiet claimed.

More than 30 residents signed a letter to the board, objecting to the plans and calling for termination and suspension of the ranch manager and president.

Burt encourages those 30 people to run for the board, if they want to see changes.

"You want to represent ranch members, run for the board -- applications are available," he said. "Rather than try to create another group."