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Friends of Geo ask Des Moines County for $20,000 to reopen Geo State Park concession
Summary
Volunteers said they have repaired much of the concession building but still need about $75,000 to open concessions; they asked Des Moines County for a one-time $20,000 contribution, and supervisors said state-imposed levy caps limit use of the general-basic fund for donations.
Friends of Geo volunteers asked the Des Moines County Supervisors on Dec. 16 for a one-time $20,000 contribution to finish renovating the concession building at Geo State Park.
Ron Helling, vice president of the Friends of Geo, introduced the group and said the state engineer once estimated $160,000 would be needed to bring the building up to code. John Follencamp, the group’s president, told the board the Friends have spent about $26,000 in volunteer labor and materials so far and still need roughly $75,000 to complete the project. "We are asking if you would consider, at least, a one-time funding of $20,000," Follencamp said.
Follencamp said vandalism had required replacement windows (about $5,500) and that water-line work the state Department of Natural Resources previously indicated it would perform is no longer available because of budget cuts. The group said private donations have helped but additional funds are necessary to open the concession, which would rent watercraft and sell supplies during the park’s 75th anniversary next year.
A Des Moines County supervisor replied that the county rarely makes direct donations and that, even if it wanted to help, money would likely have to come from the general-basic fund. The supervisor noted recent changes under House File 718 had imposed a revenue cap on general basic, limiting the county’s flexibility: "Des Moines County doesn't typically make donations ... I'm sympathetic with you, but I'm not comfortable with taking anything out of that fund," the supervisor said.
The board did not take an immediate vote on a county contribution. Members thanked the volunteers for their work and encouraged them to continue seeking funding from other sources; they also said the matter could be discussed further in budget or work-session agendas.
The Friends of Geo asked the board to coordinate with Henry County officials, because much of Geo State Park is in Henry County; the presenters said they planned to seek support there as well.
Next steps: the board did not approve county funding at the meeting; the Friends of Geo may return with additional information and the supervisors suggested pursuing other funding sources and continued discussion in future budget conversations.
