The Emporia Recreation Commission got its first official look at the upcoming 2018-19 budget Monday and a review of revenues and expenses for the past year as well.
Both were up this year, but especially expenses, which exceeded revenues by 12.5 percent. The spike was due to a number of capital improvement projects needed for the Lee Beran Recreation Center paid for after years of building up its cash reserves. Rec Commission Chair Mike Helbert says those projects add up fast.
Those expenses won’t be as high in next year’s budget and Director Tom McEvoy says he likes to keep about 10 percent of cash reserves on hand for emergencies. Right now that fund has $300,000. Commissioners will look at next year’s budget with the intent to approve it for publication next month with adoption slated for July.
The search will also soon begin for a new commissioner to replace Roger Hartsook who is retiring effective June 30 due to health concerns. Hartsook, attending Monday’s meeting via telephone, thanked the commission for allowing him to serve for 27 years.
The commission will appoint a new member to fill the remaining two years on Hartsook’s term and are hopeful to have that person in place by July.
Renovations to the Flint Hills Optimist baseball fields are also nearing completion. Roofs will be installed this week on the dugouts with fencing to be installed soon. A dedication ceremony is planned June 1 at 6 p.m. Helbert says the project is one of the many capital improvement projects being completed this year.
In other business, commissioners were presented with results of the Gould/Evans focus groups and public input meeting related to the potential renovation of the recreation center. The commission also approved the installation of tectum acoustic tiles for the gym. The next ERC meeting is scheduled for June 18.
