Parks director presents $1.23 million lake budget, seeks modest mountain cuts and staffing help

Michael, the county parks director, outlined the parks department's proposed lake and mountain budgets at a Natrona County Board of Trustees meeting and reviewed revenue, capital requests and staffing needs.

The lake fund's revenues are estimated at about $1.23 million for the coming fiscal year, Michael said, reflecting fee increases the board approved previously and the large share of revenue that comes from lot rent, which is due May 19 and commonly produces carryover between fiscal years. "I'm estimating total revenue for this upcoming fiscal year is $1,223,000," he said, later summarizing the figure as roughly $1.23 million. He noted that camping revenue mostly arrives between June and Labor Day.

The budget proposal includes a 20% administrative allocation for county management, which Michael quantified as $244,677. He described that allocation as usable for peripheral lake expenses and possible matches for road projects worked on with Road and Bridge and federal grants. "I'm estimating that at 20% this year, $244,677," Michael said.

Michael presented proposed expense and capital items for the lake fund: increased staffing and training, electrical work at wells and lift stations to allow leased backup generators, an increased grounds/trash line to $77,000, a proposed $150,000 for Title 28 matching funds for Alcona Fields access work, and about $200,000 in capital equipment purchases including generator leasing. On generator costs he said staff were still gathering numbers and offered a rough estimate: "I believe it's 3 generator. I I wanna say…