Resident says Sand Lake launch fee is discriminatory; committee suggests MOU with town

During public comment, resident Mike Kortenhof said Oneida County’s launch-fee system at the Sand Lake boat landing prevents some residents from paying and expressed concern about a lack of communication with the Town of Sugar Camp.

"I would be willing to pay $5 cash," Kortenhof said, but he said he could not use the $10 phone-based payment system and called the current system "discriminatory." Chair Ted Cushing acknowledged the Town had cared for the landing previously but said the county now bears responsibility. Committee members said a private company was handling billing and enforcement.

Committee member Dan Hess suggested having corporation counsel draft a memorandum of understanding that would keep ownership with the county while allowing the Town to continue routine maintenance. Members agreed to table further action until the Town Chair could attend a meeting and staff could consult with corporation counsel about an MOU.

Why it matters: changes to how launch fees are collected and how maintenance responsibilities are assigned affect access for boaters and may shift operational or enforcement costs between the county and towns.

The committee took no immediate action and listed Sand Lake boat landing as a future agenda item so town representatives and counsel can be involved in follow-up.