Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
With an increase of 2.4 percent, Warsaw Parks Superintendent Jon Garber described the 2005 budget estimates for the department as "pretty lean" Tuesday.
The parks board approved three budgets presented: "#19" for parks and recreation including wages, benefits supplies, services and capital outlays; "#14," non-reverting operating fund to fund programs that charge a fee; and "#23," the cumulative capital improvement budget.
Wages and benefits were increased 3 percent, the city's standard, increasing the personnel services total $35,556 more than last year to $876,641. Other categories were reduced, bringing this budget's increase to $33,681, or a 2.4 percent raise.
The non-reverting operating fund total was given as $8,740 and includes things like supplies, advertising and printing and other expenses for the family carnival, garden tea party and big swing fling.
The capital improvement total was given as $78,000 and includes $12,000 to the City-County Athletic Complex; $10,000 for the Lake City Greenway - a carry-over amount from last year; and $66,000 for improvements to Mantis Skate Park.
Skate park improvements were given as a concrete surface and replacing wood ramps with galvanized steel, safety rails, toe plates and other equipment.
The wooden ramps are deteriorating from exposure to the weather, said activities director Janelle Wilson, and the galvanized steel ramps come with a 10-year guarantee.
Dave McCool of the Young Tigers football organization presented the board with a "thank-you" plaque for their support. A picture of the 2003 team members was featured on the piece.
McCool said work is progressing at DuBois-Richardson Park where Fribley Field is under construction. He said the group plans to lay sod on the field, but are about $3,000 short of funds to have it this year.
The scoreboard is up and foundations for signage have been poured.
Park board members are Cathy Folk, Bill Baldwin, Toby Sumpter, Jeff Grose, John Sadler and Bob Richmond. Richmond was absent.
