Perry County CVB approves replacing lost drone and directs staff to seek insurance

The Perry County Recreation, Convention and Visitors Promotion Commission on May 14 approved replacing a CVB drone that the director said landed in a county lake and could not be retrieved.

The director, Eric (Director), told the board he lost the drone on April 28 after a prolonged flight caused the device's automatic “return home” to place the recovery point over water. “I flew the drone too long,” he said, and later reported that the device “landed in the lake.” He told members retrieval attempts including sonar and a magnet search were unsuccessful and estimated replacement at “somewhere in the range of $759 for a retail for the for a replacement of that.”

That replacement estimate and the director’s account of recovery efforts framed the board’s decision. A board member moved to replace the lost unit; the motion was seconded and the board approved it by voice vote.

The board also directed staff to check existing insurance before purchasing a new policy. Members discussed quotes the director had seen in the $60–$100-per-year range and asked him to seek formal quotes from manufacturers and local insurers. The board then approved a contingent motion authorizing staff to buy replacement/equipment insurance (up to the approximate $100 figure discussed) only if the loss is not already covered by existing county policies.

Board members noted the CVB retains the drone remote and batteries, which reduces replacement cost, and asked staff to return with firm quotes and documentation of whether the county’s current coverage (previously Secura, now Shepherd Insurance under the county, as discussed) includes equipment. The board tabled any payment beyond the immediate replacement until staff reports back.

Next steps: staff will pursue insurance quotes and report coverage findings and final replacement costs at a future meeting.