Election set for May 3; three open seats, six candidates
MEEKER I Like all tax-funded entities, the Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Park and Recreation District is looking at ways to offset forecasted revenue depletion. Board members brainstormed ideas and action plans at the March 29 board meeting in Meeker.
Board president Kent Walter addressed board members and staff in attendance, saying, “This isn’t going to be a comfortable evening for a lot of us.”
Personnel costs, maintaining current infrastructure, cost of operations, capital expenditures, and partnerships were all up for discussion, following a request from a resident that the fitness center’s evening hours be extended to 8:30 p.m., not limited as has been proposed. Walter said the board will consider discussion about the fitness center hours on a future agenda.
Board candidate Vicky Edwards asked about a resolution that the board will continue to maintain improvements, and suggested a review of portfolio investments with Colorado Trust “because of market volatility.” Edwards was told the resolution has been worded to reflect “as funds allow.”
Discussions about how to trim the budget started with personnel costs — from instituting a hiring freeze on permanent full-time positions, to modifying staff hours and reducing benefits. Under operations, the board discussed reductions in cell phone stipends for managers, limited refreshments at meetings, cutting back on uniform purchases, auditing utilities and fleet expenses, considering fees for the use of the ballfield, and reviewing park maintenance agreements with the Town.
Board member Dan Chinn suggested looking back at the “original intent of the people who established the recreation district” in making decisions about the budget. “We have to take care of our infrastructure,” he said.
Planned capital improvements include a remodel of the offices at the rec center that will enable expansion of the fitness center and the ongoing collaboration with the Town of Meeker for Phase 2 of Circle Park and river improvements.
The goal of the discussions about the budget, according to the board, is to “avoid a ballot initiative.”
The board agreed on two action items: a hiring freeze for permanent, full-time, benefited employees; and a temporary wage freeze with no cost-of-living adjustments, grade or step increases. The freeze will be evaluated annually.
Absentee ballots for the district’s board election were mailed this week to electors. The election is set for May 3 at the Fairfield Center. Board members Dan Chinn and Rob Baughman are not running for another term. Current board member John Strate is up for election. Voters are asked to choose no more than three candidates from the six on the ballot: Kim Kendall, Aaron Grimes, John Strate, Eric Knez, Tyler Frye and Vicky Edwards.
By NIKI TURNER – editor@editorht1885.com
