The state's high court recently reversed a state law that put the fair board under the control of the agriculture commissioner rather than the governor. Following that decision, the board voted out David Beck, the president and CEO of Kentucky Venues, which handles the state fair. Then, they appointed an interim CEO, Mike Berry.
Wednesday, a government contract review committee put Berry's contract on hold, expressing frustration with the lack of testimony from the state fair board and the Kentucky Finance Administration Cabinet.
"It's very disturbing that this action was taken, particularly with a board that's been very successful over the years and an executive director who's been very successful at expanding the revenues for our state fair and convention center to record levels," Sen. Stephen Meredith said. "But yet, they're all terminated, he's terminated, and I think we've got a situation that's in chaos."
But the governor's office said the shakeup is necessary, following the high court ruling that places responsibility for the board with his office.
Last week, Beshear told reporters the former state fair head was not cooperative with his administration.
"The person who heads that board and runs that operation has to be willing to be accountable to me and work with me and the various board members.
And the individual that is no longer there led a charge to prevent any form of accountability from a governor, was not willing to work with me and made that pretty clear," Beshear said.
Still, the Kentucky Lantern reports some Republicans say the decision isn't necessarily final and that parties have until July 15 to seek a rehearing on Beck's ouster.
Complicating the picture: The start of this year's state fair is just over a month away.