Bill Hutchison, the Grand Forks Park Board fiscal hawk in recent years, gave grudging approval Tuesday to the 2009 budget.
Board members unanimously agreed on a budget that will levy 39.25 mills in 2009, 2.4 less than this year. But two of those mills come because the district built up such a big balance in its Social Security fund that the levy to cover it was cut in half. The rest of the reduction came because of a refinancing.
"In the areas we control, the spending has not been cut," Hutchison said.
Areas under commissioner control are the general fund, recreation, forestry and capital improvements. Those mill levies remained the same, resulting in a $140,000 increase in spending there, about 5 percent, because of a modest increase in home values.
"This year, I'm content with two mills being cut," said Hutchison, the board president. "This year was tough because of the big increase in energy costs. We couldn't do much.
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"But in most recent years, we could have done better. When there was an 8 to 12 percent increase in property valuations, we still had the same levies."
Park District Director John Staley said it is an austere budget, resulting in a 2.2 percent spending increase while inflation is approaching double figures. To compensate for the higher costs, cuts included operation hours at arenas and outdoor rinks, mowing, equipment and training. Fees also were raised 3 percent, amounting to $2.50 per person for adult activities and $2 for youth. Employees also may have to pay a portion of their health insurance premium increase unless a less expensive carrier can be found.
More budget savings will come from investing in energy-efficient equipment.
Moving up partnership
The district's Center Court Fitness Club and the YMCA Family Center earlier had agreed to form a partnership when a new wellness center is built. Membership in either one of the facilities would allow use of both.
But YMCA board members asked not to wait until when -- or if -- a new center is in place before starting joint membership. Commissioners agreed, at least in theory, Tuesday.
Cam Tweten, Center Court's manager, urged cooperation, saying, "There are a lot of things we can provide as partners rather than competing against each other," he said.
No opposition was offered while most commissioners praised the idea. "Why not start as soon as possible and get on the same page up front (before a new facility)?" Jay Panzer asked.
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Tweten said the partnership and the shared facilities could be in place by spring. "Then, by fall, we'll be marketing together and ready for the rush (of new members)," he said.
The district has not decided to build a wellness center. The board is waiting to see how much money can be raised privately.
Reach Bakken at (701) 780-1125; (800) 477-6572, ext. 125; or rbakken@gfherald.com .
