Lake Chickasha Costs city Thousands

The Chickasha City Council is deciding what to do about Chickasha lake. Currently Mayor Hank Ross says the lake is costing the city about 170 thousand dollars a year in operational costs. "For years we have run that lake at a deficit," Ross said.

Ross wants to reevaluate current fees and break even in the years to come. In a meeting Monday night Council members reminisced how the lake used to be in the 1970s and 80s, adding that the state of the camping grounds are not what they used to be. Chickasha resident Brenda Flanigan agrees, "It was a really nice place for kids, teens and families, but the population has just dropped, the available lots and things like that."

During the meeting council members said a main reason the lake is costing so much money to maintain is the rates charged to campers and long term RV residents. Ross says they are only paying about 25% of market value with renters typically paying about 65 dollars a month, when market value estimates them at about 400 dollars. "As a city I think it's our job to look at the cost side of the equation," Ross added. Ross said he'd like to raise rates, see less long term residents and overall see the lake run more like a state park, "I'd like to make the lake a destination lake."

Residents like Brenda Flanigan, who said she has been hearing rumors about what will happen to the lake for years, just hopes city leaders come up with a solution that works for everyone, "I hope they figure out a way to keep it, we enjoy it, everyone enjoys it."

The Council has taken no action yet, but starting next year, may increase rates at 10% intervals until the lake breaks even in costs. Lake Chickasha Costs city Thousands

Posted: Tuesday, December 11 2012, 09:59 PM CST