The Grantsburg Village Board has approved a proposal to expand the McNally Public Campground, a decision reached after extensive discussion regarding the project’s financial implications. The campground expansion will be funded with a $250,000 grant from the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The total estimated cost for the expansion is approximately $807,000. This includes the $250,000 grant, with the village responsible for the difference. The breakdown of the costs includes $733,000 for the core expansion, plus additional expenses such as a $20,000 shower building, $33,000 for asphalt looping, and $20,000 for added LED lighting.
During the board meeting, concerns were raised about the financial burden of the expansion. Trustee John McNally questioned the long-term payback, noting that taxpayers could ultimately shoulder the cost.
Village records show the current campground, which features 38 RV sites, generates annual gross revenue of around $80,000, with net earnings ranging from $30,000 to $40,000 in a strong year. However, the return varies depending on maintenance and improvements.
The expansion will add 30 new campsites, though not all will have utilities, Burnett County Sentinel reported. Seven or eight of the new sites will be RV-ready. The project has been in planning for over two years, and the village recently received four bids for the construction. The lowest bid, totaling $807,000, was submitted by Stout Construction.
There are a few challenges associated with the expansion, including the need for a relocated wastewater lift station, which depends on a sewer plant upgrade, as well as a delay in obtaining a necessary transformer for the additional power. The transformer shortage is expected to push back completion by about a year.
Despite some concerns over the cost, Trustee Hank Java noted that the opportunity for such an expansion is rare, prompting agreement from other board members.
Following review by the Administration Committee, which recommended approval of the Stout bid, the village board voted 5-2 to proceed with the expansion, with work expected to begin this fall and conclude in the spring.
