Report: HS rodeo loses about $225,000

AZTEC, N.M. (AP) - The Tres Rios High School Rodeo Association estimates hosting the National High School Finals Rodeo cost local governments in northwestern New Mexico about $225,000.

The deficit, however, is less than the $310,000 community leaders expected to lose on the July event.

The association is funded by Farmington, Bloomfield, Aztec and San Juan County.

Farmington and San Juan County each committed to pay 45 percent of expenses. Aztec and Bloomfield contribute 5 percent each.

Tres Rios executive director Beth Utley says the deficit will be paid in the same proportions.

Farmington City Manager Rob Mayes says some losses were expected and that communities did not host the rodeo to make money.

He says many people benefit in ways that don't show up on the spreadsheet.

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Information from: The Daily Times