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Pewaukee board raises Lehman Park launch fee to $10, approves $100 annual pass
Summary
After staff briefed the board on DNR guidance, enforcement limits and technology costs, the board voted to raise the Lehman Park boat‑launch fee to $10 and to offer an annual pass for $100; staff were directed to develop enforcement procedures with local vendors.
The Pewaukee Parks & Recreation Board voted to raise the Lehman Park boat‑launch fee to $10 and to offer an annual pass for $100, following staff presentations about state guidance, enforcement options and technology costs.
Staff told the board the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued an update in February 2025 that broadened the permissible range for launch fees, which gives the municipality legal room to increase rates. Staff also said automated camera or license‑plate monitoring was impractical at present—citing an estimated upfront software and hardware cost in the tens of thousands—so enforcement will rely on staff, attendants and a reporting process.
Commissioners discussed several enforcement approaches: requiring commercial delivery operators to prepay, selling annual passes, empowering launch attendants and bait‑shop staff to record and report nonpayment, and using time‑stamped photos to document violations. Staff said a base fee of $13 plus a $5.20 surcharge for facilities with a restroom and attendant were among options in the packet, but the board opted for a more modest initial increase.
Commissioner Brian made the motion to set the single‑launch fee at $10 and to offer an annual pass for $100, and Dave seconded. The motion passed by voice vote. Chair and staff directed parks staff to work with the bait shop and develop an informational and enforcement plan for commercial operators ahead of next spring, including options for an annual pass and signage.
Staff noted current Lehman Park budgeted launch‑fee revenue of about $7,000 and said higher fees would help fund maintenance and replacements at the launch.
