The Buena Vista County Board of Supervisors received an update Tuesday morning from County Attorney Paul Allen on the ongoing transfer of the Storm Lake Marina property.
Allen said the state has revised its requirements, now asking for a full abstract of title instead of a simplified ownership report.
The abstract could cost up to $3,000. The board voted to approve its creation and fund it with American Rescue Plan Act dollars, which must be spent by next December.
The state also proposed shifting full responsibility for the marina’s lift station to the county. Board member Kathy Croker questioned that change, noting the state’s fisheries building still uses the system.
Allen plans to meet with state officials to negotiate a cost-sharing percentage—possibly 75-25 or 80-20—and said the transfer likely won’t be finalized before the county’s temporary management agreement expires at the end of the year.
The board also discussed insurance coverage tied to the Lakes Improvement Commission spoil site and the marina’s 28E agreement. Allen raised concerns about liability gaps and recommended reviewing public officials’ insurance policies.
Allen noted the city has included the spoil site in its future renderings, but hasn’t approached the LIC about purchasing the land. The board of supervisors said long-term decisions about ownership and insurance will need to be addressed.
