The Effingham Park District Board discussed its proposed budget for the next fiscal year at their regular meeting Wednesday. According to Park District President, Jeff Althoff, the Board must post a proposed budget, for public inspection, for 30 days before approving it. The projected budget is based on numbers from past years.
While the projected budget is speculative, Althoff is positive that the Park District will end the upcoming fiscal year in the black. He says that it’s important to have fewer expenses than projected revenue and takes a “conservative” approach when planning the budget.
Althoff said that upkeep of the Park District’s facilities constitutes the majority of expenses. Revenue for the District comes in though activity fees and taxes. District Treasurer Anita Bloom said that projections for next year’s budget were comparable to last year’s.
During the Director’s report, Althoff also discussed progress with the fundraising campaign for Harmony Playground. The Park District raised $35,000 toward their goal of $700,000 with proceeds from a car raffle. The Winner of the raffle, John Dietzen was announced earlier Wednesday. He will select from five cars, donated by local dealers, or $30,000.
The Board also approved the Prevailing Wage Ordinance which determines the hourly wages for workers in a particular field.
Also Jake Junghanel, General Manger of the Workman Sports Complex, presented a financial report and budget. Further action was tabled to give time to the Board Treasurer to examine the figures.
The Board also heard a presentation from John Sanford of iParks, the company that insures the Effingham Park District. Sanford commended the Board members for their efforts in running the District.