The city's management agreement came to an end in 2003. City managers argued that they should be allowed to renew the contract. The city proposed using its own funds to renovate the arena, and to begin the process of planning for a new, greatly expanded multi-purpose convention center and sports arena. As a gesture of good faith, Great Falls city commissioners said they had spent $6,000 to study the ice rink covering issue and $2,000 on a handicapped-accessibility study,Lee, Sonja. "Montana ExpoPark." Great Falls Tribune. November 24, 2002. and had agreed to spend $200,000 to purchase the ice rink covering."City Agrees to Fund Recreation Upgrades." Great Falls Tribune. September 18, 2002. The purchased was designed to meet the needs of local youth hockey organizations, which in 2002 were the arena's largest tenant (paying $65,000 in fees in 2002 and an anticipated $85,000 in fees in 2003).Oyan, Katie. "Participants Split Over Fairgrounds Management." Great Falls Tribune. October 4, 2002. But it was also designed to expand the facility's use, and reduce the city's subsidy to the fairgrounds. Four Seasons managers noted that the arena had to turn away bands, comedians, and other entertainers because the venue could not be turned around fast enough. Cascade County managers, however, argued that although the county did not have the credit rating or tax revenues of the city, they could obtain grants to make the improvements the city was to pay for. They also said that their lack of management expertise did not matter, as they were considering contracting with SMG World, an arena management firm, to run Four Seasons. In October 2002, SMG said it needed more time to assess the fairgrounds in order to make a firm offer. With Cascade County apparently committed to taking over the fairgrounds and Four Seasons Arena again, the city of Great Falls demanded that the county to pay $1 million to reimburse the city for improvements made there (a figure which included $142,250 renovating the heating, air conditioning, and carpeting at the arena).Oyan, Katie. "City's Bill: $1 Million From County." Great Falls Tribune. November 1, 2002. The county refused, and offered to pay less than 20% of that figure.Lee, Sonja. "County Trims City ExpoPark Request." Great Falls Tribune. November 22, 2002. After extensive negotiations, Cascade County agreed to pay $384,370 over 10 years at 4% interest (a total which included all of the improvements to the arena).Lee, Sonja. "City, County Sign ExpoPark Deal." Great Falls Tribune. December 7, 2002. On November 12, 2002, Cascade County signed a formal agreement to allow SMG World to take over management of the fairgrounds and arena.Oyan, Katie. "Montana ExpoPark." Great Falls Tribune. November 13, 2002.
