Groveland Twp.- Through a survey from township officials, area residents are being asked their input on funding for recreation services through the Brandon Recreation Department.
Officials from Brandon and Groveland townships discussed the recreation funding issue last December.
Brandon officials said a total of 1,980 individuals participated in the recreation department activities last year, of which 388 individuals were from Groveland Township.
Currently, Groveland Township pays $15,000 per year to Brandon Recreation to cover those participants. Brandon Township officials say an additional $27,000 is needed from Groveland to equal the $42,144 needed to sufficiently fund the recreation program.
‘The township just can’t pick up the line item for $42,000,? said Robert DePalma, Groveland Township supervisor. ‘That’s why we are taking this issue to the people.?
Ron Lapp, Brandon Township supervisor, says it’s up to Groveland to cover these costs.
‘It’s not fair to Brandon residents to cover these costs from Groveland,? he said. ‘We are considering a family plan for $125 or a single fee of $70 for recreational fees’we’re not being contentious, but we should not be picking up the fees for Groveland.?
According to the survey mailed earlier this month, current fixed costs to run the Brandon Recreation program have now risen to $210,720 of which Groveland Township residents account for 20 percent of those participating. However, Brandon officials say only 7 percent of the fixed costs are being funded by Groveland Township.
Part of the questionnaire includes questions regarding a possible recreation millage of approximately .2 mills or $27 per year for an average home of $270,000 market value to cover current costs. In addition, those who use Brandon Recreation services should pay an additional non-resident rate to cover Brandon’s costs.
The survey should be returned by Jan. 20.