October revenue at the Grand Marais campground and marina was $79,000, up 40 percent over October 2019.
The year-to-date revenue stands at $1.304 million, not far off the projected 2020 budget of $1.336 million, but that number may be reached by the end of the year, reported Parks and Rec Director Dave Tersteeg at the park board’s November meeting.
“Given accounts receivables still coming in November and December, and the fact that we are now accepting deposits for 2021 over the next two months, we may very well meet our 2020 revenue budget, despite being effectively closed until mid-June.”
While revenues have been trending up, expenses have gone down. In his report to the park board Dave noted, “At the end of September, overall expenses are tracking less than 18 percent less than 2019, and well under budget.”
Savings were incurred because of the shortened season, which resulted in a reduction of employee hours, utilities and operating supplies. Seasonal labor costs were about 20 percent less than 2019, the equivalent of four full time seasonal staff, and utilities were down 15 percent and maintenance supplies 44 percent less than last year.
“April and May’s pause for covid pause significantly reduced our spending on spring projects,” noted Tersteeg. “Cancellation of the Community Education’s youth baseball programming also relieved the need for 40 plus hours of weekly ball field maintenance associated with that program.”
Clean up in the park
Bids are being accepted to remove the old public works garage and dog pound in the recreation park. Testing for hazardous materials are complete and indicated no major issues with demolition clean up. Once the buildings are demoed and removed, it will allow for the upgrade of the public boat landing, parking lot, and rubble rock breakwall that is scheduled for next summer.
Reservations are being accepted for May 2021, with several trickling in. On December 1, the reservation system will start booking for June, including late June and early July.
Park Office Manager Samantha (Sam) Wallner was selected to receive the 2020 Heart of Hospitality award from Visit Cook County.
“This annual award goes to the best of the best in our tourist industry,” said Tersteeg. “Throughout the current pandemic, tumultuous tourist season and her own personal battle with cancer, Sam’s attitude and grace have truly earned her the recognition she deserves.”
No Christmas tree or parade
Dave informed the park board that there wouldn’t be a holiday parade or lighting of the Christmas tree on the Friday after Thanksgiving. The fireworks have also been cancelled for this year, but the park staff will decorate the Harbor Park with a large lighted tree.
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