MEEKER | ERBM Recreation District’s board of directors had a short meeting Aug. 15, 2023, discussing 2024 budget overview and upcoming process, addressing accessibility/safety concerns, and the Circle Park improvement project for which the district is currently seeking contract proposals.
During regular business the board approved the creation of an ERBM Employee Scholarship program set to take effect at the end of the year. The program will offer up to $1,500/year annually to current high school, college or trade school student employees of ERBM who have worked for the district longer than one year. Leadership staff in the district hope the program will help recruitment and retention of youth employees (specifically lifeguards) according to a memo addressed to the board of directors.
The board also approved the monthly financials following staff reports that departments underspent estimated revenues last month as the district looks ahead to the final quarter of 2023.
2024 BUDGET
Following last year’s reductions to the district budget, the proposed district budget for 2024 is slightly increased, up 3%, or $29K from 2023 overall. Executive Director Sean VonRoenn said the largest budget allocation fits under Operations and Utilities both of which represent about $250K each. Notable proposed increased line items include:
– ($9K) IT infrastructure support, WEB/CUI application and Malware/Firewall maintenance/upgrades
– ($10K) property/liability insurance – based on new assets and anticipated annual increases
– ($4K) increases services – trash (20%) electric (3%)
– ($5K) maintenance materials – pool mechanical parts and ADA projects
– ($4.5K) Facility operations materials – pool chemicals and cleaning supplies
– ($3K) advertising/printing/postage – for required job postings
– ($2K) donations/sponsorships – for the new scholarship program
Other increases listed in the proposed budget are for vending/pro shop ($2K), travel/per diem ($1.7K) and “other” ($6.8K). Scheduled capital improvement allocations total $350K for projects including leisure pool resurface ($150K), pool deck resurface ($62K), boilers replacement ($92K), pump room doors ($13K), Sweep All ($11K) and conting [sic] equipment ($22K). The proposed budget also includes $250K for Phase II of Circle Park improvements for riverfront work.
Proposed budget decreases total $16.3K, some larger cuts include:
– ($8.7K) program materials (rec) – based on analysis of three year trends and fewer available programs
– ($2K) election expenses – no election this year
Budget discussions will continue into September and the board will hold its first budget related public hearing in October.
