Brandon Twp.- Residents should see improvements in recreation with an increase in staffing and office hours, but they will likely also see a slight increase in program registration fees next year.
During a special meeting Aug. 21, the township board unanimously approved increasing the recreation administrative assistant’s hours from 24 to 29 hours per week, to be supported by the 508 budget, starting Sept. 2. However, the board did not increase funding for the recreation department, leaving it to Recreation Director Fred Waybrant to figure out how to fund the additional hours.
‘I am pleased they approved the 29 hours, but I am surprised they didn’t support it financially, I wasn’t asking for much,? said Waybrant. ‘I’ll have to take a close look at the budget and generate revenue and sponsorship money.?
Waybrant was under fire this spring for a lack of organization and communication in the recreation department. The board reconciled with Waybrant during an employee review July 22 and appeared to agree Waybrant needed more help in recreation.
Wednesday’s meeting approved that help, but without funding to back the decision.
Kara Titus, Waybrant’s sole employee, earns $11.80 per hour. Waybrant anticipates that the increase in her hours will cost about $6,000 annually.
While he will have to search for ways to fund the additional hours, he is looking forward to the benefits of having more staff hours to share the workload.
‘She has already made a difference at 24 hours, it will be a plus for recreation,? he said. ‘Now we have more time to set up e-mails and contact parents and coaches and get things done in a more timely manner.?
Waybrant is also planning to purchase software to help with organization including scheduling and online registrations.