County’s Share of Bass Lake Beach and Campground Revenues $42,000 Short of Actual Collections

Merging the Bass Lake Beach and Campground’s finances into Starke County’s is proving to be tricky. During a special park board meeting Wednesday, Board Member Kathy Norem said that one batch of receipts shows the facility has brought in more than $58,000 this season, but only about $16,000 ever made it to Starke County.

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Starke County Park Board Members, Lessee to Discuss Operation Plans

The Starke County Park Board is considering the future of the Bass Lake Beach and Campground’s operations. “I don’t know if everyone knows, but we were informed earlier this month, maybe last month, I don’t know, that Mr. Callahan is deceased now, is my understanding,” Board President Richard Ballard told the rest of the board Tuesday.

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Starke County Park Board Gets Two More Proposals for Bass Lake Beach Operations

The Starke County Park Board continues to hear from people interested in operating the Bass Lake Beach. The entire beach and campground is currently run by Callahan Development, LLC, which leases it from Starke County. But the company said it may be willing to give up control of the beach itself, to allow it to focus on the profitable campground and pier slots.

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Starke County Park Board Still Waiting for Concrete Repairs at Bass Lake Beach

A lack of action on concrete repairs at the Bass Lake Beach is drawing concerns from some Starke County Park Board members. Back in August, board members asked the operator of the facility, Callahan Development, LLC, to repair the seawall surrounding the beach house patio and install glacial stone to help protect it from incoming waves.

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Bass Lake Beach and Campground Lessee Credited 2017’s Rent Payment, Following Well Upgrades

The Bass Lake Beach and Campground’s operator won’t have to pay rent to Starke County in 2017, and it’s 2018 payment will be nearly cut in half. The Starke County Park Board decided Tuesday that upgrades to the facility’s well system made by Callahan Development, LLC were capital improvements, meaning the cost could be subtracted from the company’s rent payment. Continue reading

Park Board Officials Question Beach and Campground Improvements

Bass Lake CampgroundThe Starke County Park Board’s frustrations with Bass Lake Beach and Campground manager Richard Callahan are growing. They’ve asked county attorney Marty Lucas to attend their meeting this evening to answer questions about the difference between capital improvements and maintenance. Callahan’s lease with the county allows him to deduct capital improvements from his rent payments. However Park Board President Roger Chaffins recently told the county commissioners none of the work has been permitted or inspected and questioned whether it is safe for the public. Continue reading

Park Board Notes Improvements at Bass Lake Beach

The Bass Lake Beach is scheduled to open for the season this weekend.

The progress of maintenance and capital improvements at the Bass Lake Beach were reviewed with lessee Richard Callahan when the Starke County Park Board convened last evening. Callahan was accompanied by his legal counsel, David Wallsmith. Callahan reported that 10 tons of sand and 10 tons of asphalt grindings has been spread to improve the grounds and that 45 picnic tables had been repaired. Continue reading