Muncie parks board discusses Prairie Creek rates, summer electricity spike and water‑company negotiations; board approves winter storage for current campers

The Muncie Parks and Recreation Board on Aug. 19 spent a large portion of its meeting on Prairie Creek Reservoir finances and long‑term operations, including rising electrical costs, dock and campsite counts, a possible electrical surcharge, and uncertainty arising from ongoing negotiations with the water company over the number of campsites and docks that may be permitted.

At the start of the discussion staff warned the board that Prairie Creek is financially self‑sustaining and that changes the water company may require — including a reduction in permitted campsites or docks — could materially affect Prairie Creek’s budget and require new revenue or service reductions. “They have not provided a number with campsites that they're gonna allow,” staff said; that unresolved point makes long‑term planning difficult.

Electricity and possible surcharge: Parks staff provided electrical billing data to the board showing a winter average of roughly $3,500 per month and summer averages above $11,000 per month; the highest single month in 2024 exceeded $15,000. To address rising electrical operating costs staff floated an initial proposal for a separate annual electrical surcharge of $200 per campsite (presented as a starting discussion point, not a final decision).

Docks, launch fees and club partnerships: Staff told the board there are roughly 220 campsites and “about 600” docks noted in earlier records; however, precise counts and billing allocations across multiple meters were not fully broken out in the figures provided. The board discussed separating the boat launch fee from slip rental, so launch access could be billed independently should the board choose to do so. Board members and public speakers also discussed the Muncie Sailing Club’s finances: Commodore Keith Addison told the board the sailing club administers kayak stickers, has roughly 68 members, and passes fees through to the Prairie Creek budget; he described the club as largely self‑funded and as an operational partner.

Winter storage: After extended discussion of uncertainty from the water company’s pending decisions, the board debated how to handle winter storage for 2025 — specifically whether to allow people who are being notified of non‑renewal for 2026 to store campers through the coming winter. The board ultimately voted by roll call to offer 2025 winter storage to all current campsite leaseholders. In the roll call portion recorded at the meeting, board members answering included James (recorded as "James Lehi?" in the minutes), Mark Irvin, Shannon Powers and Brad Marshall; the recorded responses were in the affirmative.

Events and approvals: The board approved a series of event requests during the meeting. The board approved a youth basketball tournament request from Ashley Duke LLC for Heekin Park and approved several Prairie Creek events including a two‑day use of bleachers by the Delaware County Raccoon Hunting Club and a paid, memorial concert event on Aug. 31 pending confirmation of security arrangements and permitting details. The board also conditionally approved a campground movie night (proposed by a volunteer) pending submission of the event application.

Why it matters: Prairie Creek is self‑funded and the combination of higher utility costs and unresolved limits from the water company on how many campsites and docks will be allowed creates revenue uncertainty. Staff said they plan to provide more detailed breakdowns to the board and to publish the data for stakeholders.

Next steps and staff commitments: Staff agreed to: provide a line‑item list of recurring and one‑time electrical and other operational expenses; publish the comparative campground/dock rates the board requested; and circulate updated billing breakdowns and options for a potential electrical surcharge. Staff also said they will coordinate with the city controller’s office and the mayor’s office on budget and grant opportunities if security or other capital needs are approved. The board will continue this discussion at upcoming meetings as it tries to set rates for the 2026 season.

Public comment: Multiple campground leaseholders and members of the public spoke. Keith Addison, commodore of the Muncie Sailing Club, described the club’s volunteer work and its fee collection role: “We are an agent for Prairie Creek and we get the stickers, we administer the stickers… It’s self funded,” he said. Campground users urged the board to consider rate equity across all user groups, recommended exploring a nonprofit (Friends of Prairie Creek/Muncie Parks) for fundraising and asked that staff publish the financial data the board had reviewed.

Board action (winter storage): Motion: “Offer 2025 winter storage to all current campsite leaseholders” (motion moved and seconded on Aug. 19). Outcome: approved by roll call vote. Recorded affirmative responses in the minutes included James (recorded as “James Lehi”), Mark Irvin, Shannon Powers and Brad Marshall. Staff will send winter‑storage offers consistent with the board’s direction and the Prairie Creek rules and will include notice language about non‑renewal status where applicable.