By Susan Bromley
Staff Writer
Brandon Twp.- The economic recession is leaving few budgets unscathed in its wake, including the budget of the township parks and recreation department.
In a study session Feb. 9, township boardmembers discussed how to fund maintenance of the Brandon Township Community Park, and also allocation of cell tower funds.
‘The township park is developing, but we have nothing substantial as to how to maintain it,? said Supervisor Kathy Thurman.
In December, the board approved $54,870 for park maintenance/development in 2009. However, Recreation Director Fred Waybrant said that money was to be raised through programming, fundraisers and special events, and some boardmembers feel the goal may not be reached.
Different options being examined to support maintenance in the park include using cell tower funds from Verizon Wireless, who will pay the township $19,611 annually after being added to the Seymour Lake Road tower.
The township also has three other cell carriers, and received $59,000 in total revenue from use of the cell tower by the providers, as well as Enbridge Energy. Currently, all the cell tower funds are designated for park development and have been since the cell tower came to the township in 1997; however, the allocation of those funds is being questioned as boardmembers seek to cut $150,000 from the township budget and increase the general fund balance.
‘The big issue is that the cell tower funds have always been designated for matching grant money or maintenance of the park,? said Waybrant. ‘There is no written policy, though. I think it should stay with the park for matching grants. I understand the economy is bad, but we invested a million dollars into this park and it needs to be maintained.?
The township is facing a major expense with the need to replace the roof at the township offices. Adding to the budgetary troubles was a large decrease in recreation revenue for 2008 as non-resident program fees jumped from $10 to $60 per event and participant, or a $125 annual family fee. The move was approved by the board in February and participation fell. The decision was reversed on July 31, but the damage had been done. Waybrant said in 2007, recreation had revenues of $295,865 and in 2008 recreation revenue dropped to $225,000. He attributes the decrease to lower participation resulting from the non-resident fee increase, as well as the poor economy, and competitive programs from the school district.
In an effort to save more money for the township, Waybrant has offered to manage park maintenance as opposed to hiring a contractor. If the board opted to take this route, he said he would hire two part-time laborers who would be responsible for their own insurance and taxes. Snowplowing would be contracted out. Waybrant said he would work at the park two days a week, keeping in contact with the staff and be on call for the park on the other days. He estimates his park maintenance oversight could save the township a minimum of $25,000-$30,000 annually.
‘The park would look gorgeous,? said Waybrant. ‘I’m trying to save them money.?
Such a move, however, has raised concerns over Waybrant’s time away from his office duties and the cost of a pole barn which would be needed to house equipment.
The board is accepting bids from contractors for park maintenance. They will discuss what direction they want to take for maintaining the park at another study session scheduled for 5 p.m., Feb. 26, at the township offices, 395 Mill St.