Vigo County Parks board approves 2027 budget, signs off on equipment and security-camera plans

The Vigo County Parks and Recreation Board voted May 27 to approve the department’s 2027 budget as presented and authorized staff to make minor revisions later in the budget cycle.

Parks staff outlined equipment and project priorities for the coming year, including consideration of a mini truck (roughly $29,000), testing an electric utility vehicle option (estimated around $16,000), and replacement equipment such as a large blower (about $3,000). "They're 29,000," a staff presenter said of mini truck pricing while explaining alternative utility vehicle options and warranties for electric models.

Staff also reported recent capital work: the Prairie Creek cabin was added to the rental system, the Prairie Creek disc golf course had a ribbon-cutting and new signage, and work continues at Fowler (septic and electrical) with a late-fall target for completion. Staff said the department plans a two-phase Fowler project and is clearing invasive honeysuckle and dead trees at other sites.

Security upgrades were discussed: staff described license-plate-recognition (LPR) cameras already in use at Hawthorne and plans to add LPR at Fowler and Prairie Creek where electricity can be run. They also explored lower-cost satellite 'game' cameras as a pilot option; one setup was priced at about $4,000 with roughly $400 monthly operating cost, while simpler models cost about $100.

Staff asked the board to approve submitting the budget; the board approved the submission by voice vote and reserved the option to return for budget committee adjustments if needed. Staff noted the budget upload deadline and said the packet is due June 3.

The board’s approval was recorded by general voice votes during the meeting; no roll-call tallies were provided in the meeting record.