|
Gentry is new manager at Hart Springs
|
 Mitchell Gentry |
Gentry told the board that he grew up at Hart Springs, attending the park as a young boy in Gilchrist County.
“Hart Springs has a big place in my heart; it is a jewel of a spring and we have a lot of work to be done,” he explained to the Commission on Monday.
Ron McQueen, county administrator, explained to the board that Gentry is working hard trying to get the park back to where it needs to be following the flood of 2009. Gilchrist County recently received $123,000 in insurance returns involving the damage at the county park. The county commission agreed to have the funds designated to be spent at Hart Springs.
Gentry explained to the commission that the improvements at Hart Springs are coming along well. The staff has been concentrating on having the Pavilions A and B ready for scheduled family reunions. There is a need for an additional lawn mower to cut from 5-7 acres of grass on the new ball park and swimming pool area. Commissioner Randy Durden pointed out that the swimming pool area needs some lawn furniture to be added inside the fenced area around the pool.
Ron McQueen told the board the Park Manager’s position paid the former park manager $26,800. This salary involved a housing allowance of the new home at the park and cellular phone expense.
Gentry told the board that he lives within one half mile of the park and was not interested in moving to the property although he explained he has spent 80 hours on the premises this past week.
McQueen told the board that an adjustment needed to be made in the salary to compensate for the park manager not using the residence on the property. McQueen told the board that with the improvements of furniture in the house, the house would be available to be rented out on a weekly or monthly basis.
Gentry asked the board if his salary could be increased to $35,000. This would give him a full-time, interim park manager’s position but he would not receive any benefits due to his interim status.
Commissioner Kenrick Thomas made a motion for Mitchell Gentry to be hired as full time park manager at Hart Springs with the $35,000 salary. Commissioner Tommy Langford agreed with a second for discussion.
The board asked with the house rented out, what was the estimated return to the Hart Springs budget.
McQueen told the commission that a residence at Otter Springs is rented out for $90 a night with it available for weekends, weekly and monthly rental.
The County Administrator estimated the return could be from $20K to $25,000 depending on the weather. The board voted 5-0 to hire Mitchell Gentry as the full-time park manager with the $35,000 salary and rent the house for $125 a night.
The commission discussed the boardwalk which leads through the woods to the river; Gentry explained that the boardwalk still needs some work to be completed before it is safe for the public’s use.