Committee approves one-year trial for Sand Lake boat-launch QR fee program; will explore cameras and DNR transfer

The Oneida County Public Works & Solid Waste Committee approved a one-year trial of a QR-code-based launch-fee payment program at the Sand Lake boat landing.

Highway Commissioner Alex Hegeman said the vendor recommended a sign-and-QR-code system because running power for cameras was not cost effective. Vice Chair Bob Almekinder and members voted (motion Almekinder/Jensen) to try the fee program for a year; the motion carried. Committee member Billy Fried asked staff to explore the cost of adding cameras and suggested asking whether the Wisconsin DNR would consider taking over management of the landing.

Why it matters: The launch-fee program is intended to collect user fees without installing power or cameras immediately, balancing revenue collection with installation costs. The committee’s request to explore both camera costs and DNR interest indicates staff will return with cost estimates and possibly options for transfer of management.

Next steps: Staff to track the one-year trial performance, provide cost estimates for cameras, and investigate whether the Department of Natural Resources would accept management of the Sand Lake landing.