Park Board Approves 2015-2016 Budget

While changes will be made once salaries are set, the Trenton Park Board approved its 2015-2016 budget during a meeting Wednesday evening.
The board decided to move forward with approval to the budget even though it’s not yet known what amount of salary increase will be approved by the city council for employees. While the park board can make its own determination as to what percent increase to give full-time employees Jason Shuler, park superintendent, and his assistant, Don Kennedy, the board decided to not set the salaries until the city council sets the salaries for other city employees. That, and the fact that the increase in health insurance premiums is not yet know, will require the budget to be amended at a later date. The budget that was approved Wednesday includes a 15 percent increase in health insurance premiums, although board members are hoping it will be less.
Using the figures approved, the board is looking at revenues of $547,900, an increase from $532,100 in budgeted revenues last year, and expenses of $554,487, for a deficit of $6,587. Of those expenses, $149,843 is the payment on the Trenton Family Aquatic Center. The department had a fund balance as of Dec. 31, 2014 of $236,733, which is an increase of about $20,000 over the fund balance from Dec. 31, 2013.
On the revenue side, $15,000 of the increase budgeted for revenues can be attributed to a projected increase in sales tax revenues, which are listed at $355,000. Other major revenue sources include the property tax, $88,500; pool receipts, $57,000; TBA proceeds, $13,000; pool concessions, $12,500; TBA concessions, $7,500; and ball park user fees, $4,000. Other revenues are generated through building rental, memorials, miscellaneous and interest.
On the expenditure side, wages for the two full-time employees are listed at $71,057, which is of course last year’s figure. Another $29,000 was listed for part-time wages in the park department and $21,138 was budgeted for health insurance (which does include the 15 percent projected increase in premiums). After a lengthy discussion, the board agreed that rather than buy a new mower this year, which had been budgeted at $13,750, the department will remove three storage buildings located on the south side of the park maintenance building and construct a 19-feet by 36-feet addition to the maintenance building at an estimated cost of $10,000. Board members have long felt that the three buildings are an eyesore and have shared their concern that expensive equipment is unable to be stored and secured properly due to the lack of space. By constructing the addition, board members feel there will be more adequate space for storage of these items as well as for TBA equipment, etc.
Other major expenses on the park side of the budget include utilities, $23,760; $18,000 each for supplies and petroleum; $13,000 for TBA expenses; and $10,000 for the walking trail (filling cracks and sealing). Other expenses include funds for each park and ballfield, insurance, fees, training and other minor expenses.
On the pool side, major expenditures other than the pool payment include $54,000 for part-time wages, $24,000 for utilities and $17,500 for supplies.
The budget was unanimously approved, with Kari Whitaker absent. It was noted that the document will be amended once salary and insurance figures are known.
Board members approved spending $1,500 of park funds from this year’s budget for improvements to the rest-rooms at the Rock Barn. Over the past few months, organizations have met with the board to discuss donations to a renovation project at the Rock Barn. The board has decided that rather than do a full renovation, it will “spruce up” the facility and wait to do a full renovation, which would require making major changes to meet the requirements of the Americans With Disabili-ties Act.
In other business, the board:
• gave permission for the Trenton Summer Soccer League to use old Griffin Field for its summer program, which will include games to be held on the four Sunday afternoons in June. Registration forms are being distributed to area schools and are to be returned by April 24. Shana Norris, who was at the meeting to represent the summer soccer board, said more board members are needed to help with the league.
• heard an update on the proposed disc golf course at Moberly Park, with Second Ward City Councilman Mark Robinson telling the board that he has sponsors for 12 1/2 of the holes and thinks he has commitments for another four or five. The board agreed to hold a special meeting at the park at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 12 to meet with those who are helping design the course and others who are interested in disc golf. It was noted that a retailer will be needed in town to sell the discs that are used in the sport.
• discussed the need for major work to be done on the walking trail in the next year or two. It was noted that the trail is a huge asset to the community and it is hoped that city departments can work together to maintain and improve the trail.
• heard from Shuler that he has not had any organizations agree to work the ballfield concession stands this summer. The board voted to advertise for part-time help to run the stands this summer in case that becomes necessary.
• heard that the Chillicothe Mudcats will play a game at Burleigh Grimes Field on Thursday, June 18. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m.
• learned of donations from Dr. Nick and Cheri McHargue in memory of Todd Chumbley and Jim Griffith. It was noted that a portion of the funds donated was designated for thank you cards and stamps.
• heard a report from Community Developer Ralph Boots on the recent Trenton 2020 meeting and on the recently-completed City of Trenton Comprehensive Analysis. Board President Don Altes said the park department section of the analysis is incorrect in regard to the number of employees, an error which skewed the results. A corrected analysis of the department will be sought.
The next regular meeting of the board will be held at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 6.