MEEKER | Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation District board members met Tuesday to discuss a proposed 2023 budget draft, amendments to an MOU with the town of Meeker regarding Circle Park, quarterly financials, changes to the employee handbook and paid time-off policies, among other items.
2023 DRAFT BUDGET
ERBM’s latest 2023 draft budget proposes cuts approximately $1.5 million compared to the 2022 budget, most of which is related to capital improvement projects (CIP). The district budgeted more than $1.4 million for “scheduled improvements” in 2022, but only plans to spend $82K on the same line item next year.
Aside from CIP, the largest proposed cuts fall under wages and benefits. Personnel related cuts will come from the elimination of two rec assistant positions, one recreation supervisor position and one administrative position that was budgeted but never filled. Other proposed cuts under general operating expenses total $44K and include utilities (-$12K), admin contracted services (-$30K), equipment (-$10.5K), employee/board travel (-$5K) and various other line items. During the meeting, board members also voted to cut board member compensation by 75% from $100 to $25 per meeting.
Notable proposed expense increases are under property/liability insurance (+$6K), recreation contracted services (+$2.5k), parks/facilities supplies (+$11.5K), recreation equipment (+3K) and various annual pay increases for all departments.
Projected revenues are down $65K from last year, though ERBM Executive Director Sean VonRoenn noted the numbers are subject to change following final property tax valuations. He said the final budget draft will be in September.
RESOLUTIONS
The board discussed multiple resolutions relating to the employee handbook and existing benefits, including revisions to sections on “dispute resolution.” Director Kent Walter said proposed changes need to be amended and depersonalized, so proposed revisions were tabled for further discussion/review. Upon the advice of newly elected director Vicky Edwards, the board approved a resolution making changes to existing cash reserve fiscal policies, how reserves are calculated and how funds are allocated for specific purposes.
CIRCLE PARK MOU
The board discussed changes to a memorandum of understanding with the Town of Meeker, outlining responsibilities, administrative oversight and financial liabilities associated with phase 2 of Circle Park improvements. Proposed work from engineering firm SWCA include stakeholder engagement meetings, permitting, a fluvial geomorphological survey, river hydraulic assessment and various designs for landscaping, streambank stabilization and more. After discussion the board proposed additional revisions to the MOU for consideration by Town trustees. Following additional negotiations, final MOU approval is set to occur at the two entity’s annual joint meeting on Aug. 16.
PAID TIME OFF
The board unanimously agreed to amend the district’s existing paid-time off policy, eliminating end of year payouts for employees who have accrued, but not used their allotted paid hours. Beginning next year, accrued PTO hours will be “use it or lose it” and capped at 200. If employees don’t use the hours, they will not accrue year-to-year. Previously staff told board members that scheduling PTO had been difficult due to minimal staffing, particularly for employees in management positions. Board members agreed however that they “didn’t want to pay out these large outlays of cash” every year, and saw the policy change as a way to incentivize employees to take their allotted paid time off.
BUILDING COLORS
Board members did not reach a consensus on choosing new colors for an upcoming building painting project, instead agreeing to let staff choose from a variety of options.
By LUCAS TURNER | [email protected]om
