Commission adopts parks handbook, bans alcohol in parks and approves Manuka store buildout using 'secret revenue'

The Chilton County Commission approved a resolution adopting the Chilton County Parks General Operating Procedures Handbook, with amendments including new off‑highway vehicle (OHV) fee language and a prohibition on alcohol in park property. Commissioners also authorized about $15,000 for build‑out and initial inventory of the Manuka general store, to be paid from a county “secret revenue” source.

Commissioner Perkins moved adoption of the handbook and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Bone. On the handbook, the commission agreed to change OHV fees at Manuka Park to $20 per person with a reduced $5 fee for riders ages 6–12 and a $5 additional‑rider fee; the commission also reversed an earlier draft that would have permitted alcohol at campsites and adopted “no alcohol allowed in the park.” The handbook resolution passed 4‑1, with Commissioner Headley opposed.

During the same discussion, Perkins asked the commission to approve the build‑out and initial inventory for the Manuka general store at an approximate cost of $15,000, to be paid from the county’s “secret revenue” account derived from rental property income associated with a company working on the Highway 22 bridge. Perkins described the funding as non‑taxpayer money and said it would not draw from the county’s regular budget. The store build‑out passed 4‑1; Commissioner Headley recorded a dissent on the store motion.

Commissioners noted they checked pavilion and rental pricing against other counties and found the proposed fees comparable. The meeting record does not show an implementation timeline for store opening or a vendor for the build‑out.

The handbook adoption and store funding were discussed and voted on during the same agenda segment; the record shows motions, the vote counts, and the specific fee and alcohol policy changes agreed on during the discussion.