It feeds the Santa Fe River, but can Poe Springs bring cash to it's city?

On Thursday, city commissioners in High Springs voted to move forward with a plan to take over operations of Poe Springs Park from Alachua County.

"It's free, right now it's there, it's in the ground, the infrastructure is there," said Vice Mayor Bob Barnas, who calls it a "break even" operation.

Barnas says if approved, the county would continue maintaining the park, paying for lawn mowing, and dock repairs; and the city would hire staff to collect money from visitors, clean bathrooms and the grounds.

However, some feel running the park will drain the city.

"What is behind it, what is the projections of income expenses?" said Paul Regensdorf, a local business owner, and at least one commissioner shares similar concerns.

"I haven't seen information to indicate to me whether it's good or bad, whether it's a money pit or a money maker," said commissioner Sue Weller.

Commissioner Eric May was absent, but the decision to move forward with a preliminary plan to take over the park was approved 4-0.

On January 12th, commissioners will make a final vote on an amended inter-local agreement, before it goes before the Alachua County commission.