At the regular board meeting for the Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District Tuesday, the board of directors approved a $1,500 donation to the Meeker Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department for next year’s Fourth of July fireworks display.
Meeker’s fireworks display is widely praised as one of the best in the region. “We had people from everywhere,” Rich Merriam told the board by phone.
During the financial review, Executive Director Sean VonRoenn said the district is anticipating a loss of revenue for 2019 of about $100,000 based on refunds given and programming declines due to the pandemic, and uncollected property tax revenue. The district has applied for “just over $99,000” in CARES Act funds.
VonRoenn presented the board with a revamped system for tracking unbudgeted expenses to better communicate spending decisions. “You can see the need for building in some buffers so we’re not constantly overspending.” The new system will give staff a better understanding of where unbudgeted funds are being spent and why.
The first budget hearing for 2021 won’t be held until October, but the board reviewed some “very preliminary” assumptions about the 2021 budget for the district.
“There will be some changes as we move through the budget process,” VonRoenn said.
With anticipated reductions in revenue, VonRoenn said 2021 may be the first year the board has to dip into reserves to meet the budget. The initial proposed 2021 budget summary indicates a $70,000 shortfall in revenue. The district also expects some unavoidable increases mostly due to health insurance and PERA costs for personnel.
A ramping-up of construction on the Circle Park pond project is expected to begin later this month. TDA Construction is working with the Town of Meeker on the possibility of using the bridge. ERBM and the Town are continuing discussions about Phase 2, which involves river improvements.
“I was encouraged by how positive the Town was on Phase 2,” said board member Rob Baughman.
VonRoenn again asked the board about closing the recreation center for an afternoon in October for a meeting of all staff members and board members for the purpose of strategic planning and discussion, as was done last year.
“I think that was very helpful for me as a board member,” said board vice-president Travis Mobley about last year’s meeting. The meeting is planned for October 18.
VonRoenn said staff has been making decisions “in the moment” to respond to the pandemic in regards to quarantining staff, changing hours of operations, etc., and will continue to do so as needed.
The board approved the amount and the contractor for replacing the rec center roof, but didn’t have the prepared contract and had requested some additional warranty information. With that information provided, board president Kent Walter said, “The contract looks good,” adding that he would like some additional specificity on certain parts of the warranty provisions The contractor plans to start work in early October.
By NIKI TURNER | [email protected]
