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Cass County reviews Brewer Lake finances, approves camp-host contract and weed-control order
Summary
County staff reported Brewer Lake has unusually high reserves ($102,000) and the committee approved a camp host contract for Vicky Bender at $3,938.30 and a weed-control work order pending final chair sign-off.
Cass County committee members reviewed Brewer Lake finances and approved several routine operational items at the April 6, 2026 meeting.
A presenter summarized campsite trends and said reservations and camping days showed a slight decrease. The presenter noted the fund balance was well above typical levels: "Fund balance as of right now is $102,000 with a normal annual expenditure of 60, so we have well over 100% reserves," the presenter said (transcript). Because of that higher-than-normal balance, the usual $20,000 transfer from the general fund was not completed and staff do not plan to make that transfer in 2026.
The committee discussed the annual weed-control work order. Staff reported they had not yet received the finalized work order from the weed department and recommended approving the work order "pending final approval from the chair" once the department submits it. Members asked clarifying questions about prior arrangements and a motion to approve the work order pending the chair's final sign-off carried by voice vote.
Members also reviewed the 2026 camp host contract with Vicky Bender, who has served as the camp host for several years. The contract total is $3,938.30, described in the meeting as last year’s amount plus a 2.4% increase tied to the county employees’ COLA as approved in the 2026 budget. Committee members praised the camp host’s performance and noted that patrol staff and the sheriff’s department have coordinated on enforcement and safety when necessary. The motion to approve the contract carried by voice vote.
Committee members said the county switched campground garbage service to a local provider in Amenia after repeated service problems with the previous vendor. They also discussed road issues (frost boils) near the campground and said they would monitor conditions early in the season. Staff confirmed the campground season will run May 1 through Sept. 30 and said they would distribute the camp host's contact information to patrol staff.
All recorded approvals in the transcript were by voice vote; the transcript records standard 'all those in favor signify by saying I' language and does not show a roll-call tally.
Next steps: staff will finalize and submit the weed-control work order to the chair for final sign-off and will circulate camp-host contact details to patrol staff before opening day.
