The county commission unanimously approved $10,000 in reimbursement funds for Point A park operators for capital improvements on Tuesday.

Chairman Greg White said Point A Park operator Eric Johnson is helping the county fulfill its obligation to PowerSouth for taking care of the park.

“Seven or so years ago, we entered a contract with another party for the campground and swimming area,” he said.

Last year, Johnson took over as operator.

“I want to commend Eric on a nice job,” White said.

Johnson has made capital improvements to the bath houses at the campground.

“Eric was invited to submit bills to us,” White said. “He submitted over $20,000 in bills.”

White said the bills were reviewed by attorney Stephanie Cotton, Administrator Karen Sowell and then-Chairman Bill Godwin.

“Our contract does not require we pay them,” he said.

However, White said he proposed that they give Johnson a $10,000 cash reimbursement and commit some $6,000, with hopes of matching funds from PowerSouth over the next 12 months.

White said that he and Johnson have devised a three- to five-year capital plan.

Among that plan includes electrical improvements and drainage improvements.

“We have an issue with standing water at the campground,” he said.

White said they plan to submit the plan to PowerSouth. He plans to meet with PowerSouth in the next three or four weeks.

“I’m anxious to see what their commitment is,” he said.

Cotton said that the county was not contractually bound to pay.

However, she said that she has spoken to Johnson several times and has visited the park to see improvements.

She views the relationship as a long-term working relationship between Johnson and the commission.

Cotton said that she didn’t believe that there Johnson acted in bad faith or malice.

White said that Johnson expended the funds for the bathhouse because it was needed.

“This is part of the long-term commitment to maintaining the park,” White said.

In the future, the county commission will take requests for reimbursement on a case-by-case basis.

“I look forward to moving forward,” Johnson said.