An update and discussion on the Casino Beach Marina was part of Tuesday’s Buena Vista County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Earlier this month, the Supervisors approved a resolution pertaining to the marina, which paves the way for it to possibly be transferred to county ownership. The BV County Conservation Board is interested in taking over the day-to-day operations of the facility.
County Attorney Paul Allen said they’re currently in a discussion phase with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources…
Supervisor Kathy Croker referred to BV Conservation Board Director Greg Johnson, and expressed her desire to attempt to get a concessionaire agreement as part of the marina operation…
Croker agrees with the idea of converting the property into a public park, but feels there should also be more of a tourism and entertainment draw. Johnson believes nature centers do provide tourism and economic benefits. A visitor survey can be filled out by clicking here.
Croker is in favor of sharing the marina space…
Johnson said out of 62 emails from members of the public that the Supervisors shared with him, only about a third of them specifically mentioned wanting a bar/restaurant at the marina. Johnson is concerned if enough revenue will come in to keep the facility updated years from now and putting the county at risk. Supervisor Paul Merten said the marina property is an amenity to the public, and shouldn’t be strictly looked at as a revenue source.
The BV Conservation Board has expressed interest in utilizing part of the marina building for their department, but Johnson on Tuesday said he’s concerned if the back space at the building would meet their needs.
