Commission considers funding options for park improvements

An option to self-fund improvements at three county parks received favorable response by the county commission’s executive committee last week.
As a result, a proposed $1.4 million plan incorporating Covered Bridge Farm and Plumb Lake parks, and Cade Lake Park and Campground, will not be financed through the sale of bonds as previously considered.
The question arose after parks and recreation director Jaymes MacDonald in early February presented a thorough list of major improvements at the three parks. 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 said bonding would cost $50,000 in fees just to execute the process, while interest alone would be an additional $37,000.
Yoder advised commissioners to consider self-funding based on additional research he conducted. Under the proposal, the county would essentially cover the expenses then parks and recreation would repay $95,000 a year for 15 years.
Commissioners are expected to act on the matter during Tuesday’s meeting.