Story County authorizes bid release for six‑person Dakins Lake cabin

The Story County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 10 authorized final plans and the release of bids for a six‑person prefabricated cabin at Dakins Lake, saying the construction will be paid from conservation reserves, bond funds and the conservation trust fund rather than the county general fund.

Ryan, the county park superintendent, described the project as “for a 6 person prefabricated cabin” with two bedrooms, a full bath, kitchen, living space, an accessible entrance and adjacent parking. He told the board that funding for construction “is secured, and has no general fund dollars included for the construction.” The county plans a March 3 bid opening.

Supervisors asked about operations and the cabin’s seasonality. Ryan said the cabin will operate year‑round, noting there is “a fair amount of winter use at that park with the ice fishing.” He described on‑site campground hosts covering April through October and local contractors handling off‑season maintenance.

Board members pressed staff about contingency plans if revenue targets fall short and about insurance costs. Ryan said operating expenses are expected to be covered by cabin revenues and, if necessary, by the conservation reserve fund. The board asked staff to coordinate with county finance staff to ensure any additional insurance premiums or other costs are accounted for.

The board voted to approve the final plan specifications and to release the project for bidding. The bid solicitation will proceed with plans to evaluate bids at a future board meeting.