Friday, October 18, 2019

Starke Park Board Again Defers Action on Bass Lake Campground Electrical Upgrades

Posted on October 18, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

The Starke County Park Board still hasn’t reached a decision on electrical upgrades at the Bass Lake Campground. The facility’s operator, Callahan Development LLC, wants to increase the electrical capacity in the back half of the property and is asking the county to deduct the $7,800 cost from its rent payment.

Callahan’s contract with Starke County allows for credits for approved capital projects. The request was first brought to the park board in August but was tabled twice.

During last week’s meeting, a motion was finally made to grant the credit, according to County Attorney Marty Lucas. But he says Board Member Rik Ritzler ended up rescinding his motion after it failed to get a second.

Manager Larry Clarich has argued that the campground needs the added capacity to handle newer RVs, especially when their air conditioners are running during the summer. But Lucas says board members suggested that he could address the problem by limiting the number of 50-amp RVs in that part of the campground, instead.

Board members were also concerned about whether renting out campsites to year-long occupants was in keeping with the board’s master plan, according to Lucas. There have also been concerns that Callahan has gotten so many capital improvement credits that there’s little or no rent money coming into the county.

Since no final action was taken last week, Lucas expects the issue to come up again during next month’s meeting.

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