Water Authority Board Discusses Properties Being Rented at Lake Sara

Effingham Water Authority board members Tuesday discussed how to address rental of properties at Lake Sara.

Neighbors are voicing concern over late-night parties held by the renters and other activities that don't comply with the peaceful residential community that the lake is supposed to offer.

Board Chairman Rob Brown said many of the rentals are commercial operations and violates the leases for the lots. The comment was made that if you're running an ad continually on Airbnb or BRBO Home Away, it's a violation of the lease.

Some leaseholders at the lake were present at a meeting held at the Water Authority office. They told of continuous problems with those who stay at a neighboring property that is being rented out. Another said they don't want to be sandwiched by properties used as rentals while they're trying to live at their property.

A proposal of a 30-day minimum rental gained some traction at the meeting, rather than just renting a property for a weekend. The question raised was is Lake Sara a lake community, or is it a resort?

Water Authority Attorney Tony Siemer read a proposed ordinance that would control the use of lake properties and punishments if the rules aren't followed.

Brown said the issue will be on the Water Authority agenda again for their next regular meeting.