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County tightens cabin policies after reported party damages at Manuka Park; RoverPass posting and incidentals hold discussed
Summary
After vandalism and property damage at a Manuka Park cabin allegedly involving multiple vehicles and guests, county staff and commissioners discussed enforcing existing reservation rules, posting policies on RoverPass, using credit‑card holds for incidentals, and inspecting cabins at checkout to recover damages.
Chilton County commissioners discussed enforcement and policy changes for Manuka Park reservations after staff reported vandalism and property damage to a cabin by an apparently large daytime group.
Parks staff described finding multiple vehicles and approximately 15 people around a single cabin during the day; after the group left, staff reported torn blinds, a broken mirror and other minor damage. The cabins have a posted occupancy limit of four overnight, and staff said campsites allow two vehicles per site; the cabins' vehicle limits were less clear on the online booking platform.
Commissioners and staff said an initial reservation form and a draft damage policy had been produced earlier but was not consistently posted on RoverPass, the county's online reservation platform. County staff and commissioners agreed to post clear policies on RoverPass, place a card‑on‑file or incidental hold for cabins to cover damage, and inspect cabins at checkout. One commissioner said "it's like a hotel" and emphasized holding a credit card for incidentals to ensure damage costs can be recovered.
Staff said the county had not always collected a cleaning fee or deposit in earlier bookings and that the draft policy had not been fully implemented; they agreed to update the web posting and to give on‑site staff authority to deny stays if damage or violations are likely. Parks staff said they would produce a damage item list and cost estimate for repairs by the next day and would ensure RoverPass reflects the county's rules.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the park is being used more and that consistent online posting of rules, deposit/hold procedures, and inspection protocols are needed to protect county property and deter future incidents. Staff emphasized updating RoverPass listings so guests consent to the rules at booking.
No formal vote or ordinance change was recorded; commissioners agreed to implement posting and check‑in/check‑out procedures as operational updates.
