Prices for using lake to go up
Staff writer
Rising utility expenses probably will be reflected in higher charges for camping, utility hook-ups, and using the hall at Marion County Lake.
Lake superintendent Isaac Hett gave county commissioners a rundown Monday on electric expenses and made recommendations on charges to compensate for higher costs.
Electricity costs totaled $44,441.49 in 2022 compared to $36,979.14 in 2021.
Hett’s recommendations will be on next week’s agenda, with the idea to make rate changes effective April 4.
Hett said he thought higher charges for renting the lake hall still would be reasonable compared to other facilities’ rent fees.
“I don’t think people can get what we offer for less,” Hett said.
He recommended increasing lake hall rent to $75 per half day per half of the hall, $150 for all day for half of the hall.
He recommended charging county residents $15 a night and others $16 a night for RV camping spots.
Most state lakes charge $18 a night, he said.
Commissioner Kent Becker recommended charging non-residents $18.
Hett suggested continuing to charge county residents $100 for annual camping permits but increasing annual permits $25 to $150 for out-of-county-residents.
Electric and water rates with annual permits would be $8 for county residents and $12 for out-of-county residents.
Shelter house rental would change to $10 a day.
Boat storage could change from $15 to $20 per month.