MANSFIELD — The rates at Clearfork Campgrounds are officially changing.
After months of discussion, council approved legislation at its meeting Tuesday that raises the seasonal camping rate to $1,900. Monthly camping fees are now $600 (up from $335) and daily fees are $50 (up from $25).
The cost of storing a camper at the campground from Nov. 1 to April 1 is now $140. Winter storage of a boat and/or trailer at the campground from Oct. 15 through April 15 costs $65.
The cost of floating dock rental jumped to $330.
These charges are down from what was originally proposed and then tabled by council. Previous amounts considered by council were $2,200 for the seasonal camping rate, $160 for winter storage, and $380 for the floating dock charge.
The new rates are based on a 15-year payback at a four percent interest rate, whereas figures in the original proposal were based on a 10-year payback period.
Since 2006, campers have been charged $1,000 per season. Charges for winter storage and boating dock rental have been $75 and $175, respectively.
The hike in fees will allow the city to break even on the cost of operating the campgrounds and to pay for electrical and well upgrades totaling $210,085.
Campers will be notified of the rate increase and asked to submit their deposits by April 1. Traditionally, payment is taken in the fall preceding the next season.
Mayor Tim Theaker said it’s likely the well upgrades will be completed this year, and foresees the electrical upgrades being done in 2019.
“I don’t see us closing that campground for (the upgrades) right now,” he said.
Camper Jan Whitehawk of West Lafeyette said she doesn’t understand why the rates are based on 40 campers when there are campers on a waiting list, she said.
Theaker said the rates cannot be based on what could be, but what is actually the case.
“Right now there are 40 (campers), so that’s what we base it on,” he said.
Fourth Ward Councilman Butch Jefferson, chair of the Parks Committee, said he thinks that the rates are fair.
“We just want to provide a service for people that like to camp and be fair about it, and I think that this legislation does that,” he said.
Council approved the new rates in a 7-1 vote. Councilman-at-large Cliff Mears voted against the legislation.
At previous meetings, Mears voiced concern about the city continuing to manage the campgrounds, saying, “For every year that the city has managed it, we’ve lost money. For every year we had a professional contractor manage it, we’ve made money.”
His suggestion was that the campgrounds should be privatized, which had been done prior to 1997.
Per request by council, Deputy Law Director Chris Brown amended the Clearfork Campground regulations. One of the biggest changes dealt with the construction of any new or the upgrading of any permanent decks or structures.
The rules state that the construction of any new or the upgrading of any decks and/or platforms must be free standing and temporary. And structure permanent in nature that is in need of repair must be replaced with a free standing and temporary structure. This retroactively goes into effect Jan. 1, 2018.
Camper Dan Gorman of Parma said, “A simple roof over a trailer is just protecting an investment in the trailer. If it is removed each season’s end, protection from snow and ice, falling branches, etc. will not be there.
“It costs no more to the city if roofs and decks are used. Campers that add roofs and decks show how much they like being at Clearfork Campground. That must mean they want to stay for years and years.”
Campers want a voice in future of Clearfork Campgrounds – Sept. 5, 2017
Mayor presents options regarding fate of Clearfork Campgrounds – Oct. 16, 2017
Mansfield Council to deliberate possible fee increases at Clearfork Campgrounds – Nov. 6, 2017
Mansfield parks committee may raise fees at Clearfork Campground – Nov. 24, 2017
Clearfork Campgrounds legislation tabled – Dec. 20, 2017
Parks committee discusses new rates at Clearfork Campgrounds – Jan. 11, 2018
