Commission considers park project finance options

Funding to cover major projects at three county parks might be financed through the sale of bonds.
Members of the county commission’s Executive Committee agreed Wednesday to consider the option to support nearly $1.4 million in proposed projects at Covered Bridge Farm and Plumb Lake parks, and Cade Lake Park and Campground.
Parks and recreation director Jaymes MacDonald said the funding concept would allow the department to address some big-ticket items at each of the three sites without draining its 2017 budget.
The projects include nearly $570,000 worth of work at Covered Bridge Farm in Lockport Township, almost $400,000 at Plumb Lake in Burr Oak Township and about $410,000 at Cade Lake in Fawn River Township.
County administrator Pat Yoder estimated the county would pay about $150,000 annually on a 15-year bond. He will begin work on the issue, and expects to have more bond information and details regarding interest rates by the end of next week.