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Atchison County tables sale of county lake, appoints committee to study future
Summary
The Atchison County Commission voted unanimously to pause any sale of Atchison County Lake for two years and appointed Ian Saxton to chair a community committee that will deliver an initial plan update in 60 days.
The Atchison County Board of County Commissioners voted May 20 to table any discussion of selling Atchison County Lake for two years and to form a community committee to develop a plan for the lake’s future.
The motion, adopted 3-0, appointed Ian Saxton as committee chair and directed the committee to provide a plan update to the commissioners in about 60 days. The board’s action also explicitly paused further sales discussions for the two-year period.
Why it matters: Residents and farmers in northwest Atchison County had urged the board to preserve public access to the lake for fishing, hunting and informal recreation. Commissioners said the vote gives the community time to develop options that could include modest revenue-generating activities, grant applications and preservation measures without immediately putting the property on the market.
Public comment at the meeting was strongly in favor of keeping the lake available to residents. Scott Howard, who identified himself as an Atchison County resident of 23 years, said he and his grandchildren “take my family and my grandkids out there to fish,” and asked whether the county had contacted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about possible assistance. Nelson Curry, who said he had lived in the county more than 40 years, called the lake “a jewel” and urged the commission to preserve it for future generations. Dennis Ross and Cindy Bridal also described frequent community use for fishing and camping.
Commissioners said they want a small, active committee to create a practical plan rather than a large public steering committee that might slow progress. Commissioners discussed giving the committee two years to develop and begin to implement a plan, with interim reviews. The motion that passed directed Saxton to chair the committee, to collaborate with county staff, and to return with an initial plan update in 60 days.
Next steps and follow-up: Commissioners and some public speakers discussed seeking grant funding and possible federal or state partners, and they suggested quarterly updates thereafter. The commission also scheduled follow-up meetings and asked staff to help the committee with organizational and legal questions.
Votes at the meeting: The motion to table sale discussions for two years and appoint Ian Saxton as committee chair passed 3-0 with no recorded dissents.
