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DeKalb panel approves $100 monthly increase for Little Creek Horse Farm boarding fees
Summary
The county's PECS committee approved a proposal to raise monthly boarding fees at Little Creek Horse Farm by $100, with the increase to take effect March 1 pending an updated boarding agreement and notifications to boarders.
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners' Planning, Economic Development and Community Services Committee voted to approve a $100 increase in the monthly boarding fee at Little Creek Horse Farm and directed staff to update the horse-boarding agreement and notify boarders.
Director Ellis and manager David Flaherty (identified in the presentation) described Little Creek as a 40-acre county equine facility with a 46-stall barn that currently houses roughly 33 horses. Staff said the farm operates at a deficit, but its mission is community access to horses through equine education, therapeutic programs and riding lessons. Programs cited included an equine-assisted therapy program run by a nonprofit called Stride Ahead, youth and adult lessons, community tours and occasional fundraisers run in partnership with a “Farm Conservancy.”
Flaherty outlined facility details — three pastures, an outdoor riding arena and a largely wooded site with floodplain — and said many existing programs maintain waiting lists. He told the committee the county has incrementally increased boarding fees over recent years, noting that the fee had not changed for a long period after the barn’s 2012 purchase before later adjustments. Commissioners asked for clarity about the effective date and slide errors on the packet: staff confirmed the increase would be effective March 1, 2025, if approved, and said they would amend the boarding agreement to reflect that effective date and notify boarders.
Commissioners asked about comparisons to nearby facilities and whether other public facilities (for example, Chastain) run under different financial models; staff said each facility operates differently and that contracted facilities may offset costs through lessons and other revenue. Committee members also discussed the role of the Farm Conservancy in fundraising and repairs.
A motion to approve item 0036 was made, seconded and approved by a show of hands. Staff said they will implement the fee increase on March 1 if the county updates and distributes the revised boarding agreement to current boarders.
