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Committee backs $5 Sand Lake launch fee, asks counsel to draft ordinance and examine payment options
Summary
After reviewing updated revenue estimates, the committee directed corporation counsel to draft an ordinance to allow a $5 launch fee at Sand Lake and asked staff to explore non-digital payment (a drop box); DNR confirmed it will continue stocking the lake so long as stall count is unchanged.
The Oneida County Public Works Committee signaled support for a reduced $5 launch fee at the Sand Lake boat landing and asked corporation counsel to prepare an ordinance authorizing fees.
Ben Rich said corporation counsel advised an ordinance is required before the county can charge launch fees. Dan Gleason presented revised revenue estimates showing the original projection (roughly $33,000 net under full-capacity assumptions) would be closer to $20,000 at a $10 launch fee and about $10,000 at a $5 fee using more realistic seasonal usage assumptions. Gleason noted the county allocated $10,000 for maintenance in 2026 and that about $500 had been spent to date.
Chair Ted Cushing recommended adopting a $5 launch fee and directed the commissioner to proceed with drafting the ordinance through corporation counsel. Town of Sugar Camp Chair Katie Bauknecht said the town board had delayed action pending options from the county and asked the committee to consider non-digital payment for users who cannot pay electronically; member Billy Fried also suggested eliminating an annual pass and keeping only a per-launch $5 fee. Mike Kortenhof, a member of the public, requested the committee continue looking into installing a drop box for cash or checks.
Bauknecht said the Department of Natural Resources confirmed it would continue stocking Sand Lake without requiring launch improvements so long as the number of stalls is not reduced.
What’s next: The committee directed staff to pursue a $5 launch fee ordinance with corporation counsel and to research non-digital payment options (for example, a drop box) to accommodate users without smartphone payment methods.
