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Wright County board discusses aging Lake Cornelia siren, possible cost‑share with lake association
Summary
County conservation and supervisors discussed maintenance, battery replacements and the possible need to replace a decades‑old warning siren at Lake Cornelia, with potential replacement costs estimated at $30,000–$50,000 and suggestions to seek a cost‑share with the Lake Cornelia Association.
Wright County officials on June 2 discussed maintenance needs and long‑term replacement for an aging warning siren at Lake Cornelia, and recommended meeting the local Lake Cornelia Association to discuss cost‑sharing and ownership.
Eric Rechter, identified in the meeting as a Wright County conservation/consultation director, said the siren is roughly 25–30 years old and does not interface with the county’s newer radio system. He advised the board an annual maintenance check might run “probably in this $600 range a year,” and that four replacement batteries recently purchased cost about $120 apiece and should be replaced every four years.
Rechter told supervisors that a fully compatible new siren could cost “anywhere from 30 to 50,000” and that the current unit “does not interface with the new radio system.” He also said the current unit has multiple alert codes and could, if tied into the radio system, broadcast verbal instructions (for example, telling people to get off the lake).
Rechter and supervisors discussed liability and ownership questions. Rechter said insurance is not currently carried specifically on the siren and that the county’s existing monthly checks in summer are a fallback for verifying operation; however, he recommended documenting maintenance and engaging the Lake Cornelia Association about a share agreement. Potential splits discussed in the meeting included suggested 50/50 and 75/25 options, but no cost‑share agreement was adopted.
Why it matters: The siren serves lakeshore campers, nearby residents and the campground; if it fails during an emergency there are public‑safety implications. Rechter said the unit still works but will likely require a full replacement at some point to remain compatible with modern radio systems.
Next steps: Rechter said he will contact the president of the Lake Cornelia Association and invite association representation to a county meeting to discuss maintenance responsibilities and potential cost sharing.
No formal motion was recorded on the siren; the matter remained a discussion and a direction to engage the lake association.
Sources: Comments and presentation by Eric Rechter during the June 2, 2025 Wright County Board of Supervisors meeting.
