Trustees approve average 25% increase to Natrona County park fees including camping, lodge and Nordic passes

The Natrona County Board of Trustees voted to approve a package of fee increases for county parks following a public hearing and trustee discussion.

Parks Director Michael Brown outlined the proposed changes and said the county’s fee structure had not been broadly updated in several years. Brown described increases that average about 25% for many categories, noting the county’s effort to keep rates competitive with comparable sites: “15 dollars a night for that type of camping is is less than the forest service campgrounds,” he said while describing changes intended to cover rising operating costs and grooming expenses for Nordic trails.

What was proposed and approved - First-come/first-served cash envelope camping: previously $12 total charge; proposed and approved $15 (approx. +25%). Brown said the county’s base revenue portion for that type of site increases from $10 to about $13.39. - Reservation camping (e.g., Oakey Beach, Black Beach): previously about $13.20; approved out-of-pocket $17 (convenience/processing fees removed yields similar base revenue to cash sites). - Full-hookup sites (electric, water, sewer): previously $41.20; approved $51 (approx. +25%). - Shelters/area-use fees: from $52 to $64. - Daily boat dock rental: from $17 to $20.75. - Lodge rental (weekend): Friday–Sunday rate set at $600 (government/nonprofit weekend rate $300); Monday–Thursday $400 (government/nonprofit $200). A $250 cleaning deposit is required for lodge rentals. - Nordic passes: annual adult pass from $50 (noted as previously changed in 2021 for Nordic) to $75; minor seasonal pass $25 to $35; day passes $10 to $12.50. - Boat-trailer seasonal storage at Alcova: from $20 to $25. - Commercial dumping at the slash pile: a commercial dump permit and fee was proposed to manage volumes from contractors; Brown proposed $10 a load and allowing up to 20 loads per permit (staff noted enforcement is largely on an honor system and that staff time to manage the slash pile is significant).

Public comment and trustee debate Resident Sheila Drollharz opposed the increases on economic grounds and staffing concerns, saying, “this is not a time to raise prices on people.” Condo Edwards, another resident, questioned whether existing park revenue and other revenues (for example from trailer parks or lease operations) could be reallocated to increase staffing.

Trustees who supported the increases argued the hikes are modest compared with similar venues and are needed to help cover rising fuel, materials and labor costs and to sustain park services. Commissioner Melton moved to accept the increases; Mr. Coates seconded. Trustees voted in favor and approved the package.

Implementation and enforcement notes Trustees and staff acknowledged enforcement and staffing remain challenges; trustees directed staff to explore enforcement tools including cameras and better payment options (QR codes and online payments already exist for some passes) and to return with budget or staffing proposals during the next budget cycle.

Ending The trustees approved the fee increases and then opened the meeting to general public comment.