The Emporia Recreation Commission moved Monday to approve its 2018-19 budget for publication.
The budget was trimmed by 5 percent from $4.3 million to $4.1 million but Director Tom McEvoy assured the board that the reduction wouldn’t change operations or services. Commissioner Roger Hartsook says the reduction shows McEvoy is coming at the budget with the future in mind as preparations continue for a potential major renovation of the Lee Beran Recreation Center.
The commission is coming off a year where they spent a lot of money, most notably in upgrades to the Flint Hills Optimist baseball diamonds and roof improvements at the recreation center.
Monday’s meeting was the final one for commissioner Hartsook, who announced last month his resignation after 27 years due to health concerns. Commissioners considered three applicants for the at-large seat including Vanessa Schroeder, Greg Chadwick and current ERC Chair Mike Helbert, who was set to come off the commission following his recent resignation from the Emporia School Board. Knowing this, Hartsook nominated Helbert to succeed him in the at-large seat and the board ultimately approved the move unanimously.
The Emporia School Board will appoint a new member to serve on the commission following Helbert’s July 15 resignation.
In other business Monday, commissioners approved 4 percent wage increases for rec center staff members and the director at 4 percent and approved a return to work policy with its insurance company. The commission also spent time reviewing improvements to the website.
