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Walsh County votes to seek bids for campground mowing and host role; orders trailer removed by May 31
Summary
Commissioners voted to advertise for contract mowing and a campground host, and set a May 31 deadline for a live‑in trailer to be removed, after public meeting feedback and a review of campground finances.
Walsh County commissioners voted Monday to advertise for contract mowing and to seek a campground host for Walsh County Park, and they directed that a privately owned trailer on park property be removed by May 31 if the County moves forward with contract or host arrangements.
The motion—made during a lengthy public discussion about the park’s expenses, utility costs and staffing—also said the county will not continue a year‑round live‑in caretaker arrangement. Commissioners said the park has run at a net loss in recent years and that utility expenses and winter service costs are a major contributor.
Commissioner Amy (last name not specified) summarized the decision as a shift away from a permanent live‑in arrangement and toward either contracted grounds maintenance or a paid host during the camping season. County staff said they will prepare bid documents for mowing (man-and-machine) and a separate advertisement for a seasonal camp host. Commissioners discussed a 60‑day removal window and set a May 31 deadline for the trailer to leave the site if the new arrangements proceed.
Commissioners discussed several cost-saving measures that staff will study and include in bid specifications: disconnecting water and utilities in the fall, switching to portable toilets where appropriate, and clarifying responsibilities for online fee collection. Commissioners said they prefer bids that include operator-supplied equipment (man-and-machine) rather than county-supplied machinery because of insurance and liability concerns.
The Board also directed staff to advertise the bids immediately and to report back with responses; commissioners said they would seek to move quickly so utilities can be shut off for the off-season if warranted. The motion passed on a recorded vote: “Yes” votes from Amy, Danny, Paul, Bernie and the meeting chair (names as recorded in the transcript). Ending: Commissioners said they expect staff to prepare bid documents and to return with results at a subsequent meeting; the trailer must be removed by May 31 if the county proceeds with contracting.
