Commissioners approve short‑term park host at Bonner Park West and sign off on Fairgrounds maintenance funding; city presents marina master plan options

Bonner County commissioners approved a seasonal vendor‑host contract at Bonner Park West and a resolution reallocating contingency funding to Parks & Waterways, and they heard a detailed presentation from the City of Priest River about a proposed marina and recreation master plan that would adjoin Bonner Park West.

Parks and Waterways Director (Mazholder) presented a contract naming Charity Hinshall as a park vendor host to operate at Bonner Park West from July 1 through Sept. 30, 2025. Under the monthly $300 agreement, Hinshall will pay the county and provide services including cleaning park restrooms twice daily, daily trash pickup and park monitoring between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., seven days a week; the arrangement is intended to cover utility costs and provide on‑site presence during peak season. Auditing, risk and legal had reviewed the agreement.

Commissioner Korn asked for confirmation that county insurance covers the arrangement and for the county’s policy language; the board requested that risk staff confirm coverage. Christian (risk/auditing) reviewed materials and staff later advised the board that county coverage would apply for this arrangement. Commissioners approved the contract by roll call.

Separately, the board approved a resolution moving contingency funds into Parks & Waterways line items to pay for short‑term maintenance needs at Fairgrounds Park, including portable ADA toilets and staffing for trash and sanitation. Director Mazholder said the Sheriff’s Office has also been providing mowing support through its work‑program crews; public commenters asked that the county confirm what services the sheriff will supply before finalizing allocations.

The board then heard Mayor Connolly of Priest River and representatives from StanCraft and the city’s project team outline a master‑plan concept for approximately 38 acres adjacent to Bonner Park West. The concept envisions a marina, RV park and other recreational improvements and proposes incorporating Bonner Park West into a larger, county–city–private partnership. Priest River officials said StanCraft’s proposed plan could fund and operate marina infrastructure and allow continued public access; residents raised concerns about long‑term maintenance, fee structures and protecting local users’ free access. County counsel Bill Wilson suggested legal options, including deed conditions or reversion clauses, that could preserve public access while allowing a lease or partnership.

Why it matters: The decisions and discussions affect how the county will maintain key park facilities during peak season, whether new public‑private partnerships could alter management of a popular waterfront property, and how the county will protect public access while addressing maintenance funding shortfalls.