By 1812Blockhouse
On Tuesday, the Richland County Board of Commissioners convened to navigate the fiscal waters of the upcoming 2024 budget. The recent passage of a parks levy has presented both a triumph and a new terrain for financial planning.
Commissioners initiated the session with a nod to the Halloween spirit, quickly transitioning to the matter at hand—the proposed 2024 budget. The Park Board members and staff, including Jason Larson, Ronda Berry, and Cindy Strader, were present to discuss the impact of the levy’s passage.
The levy, narrowly secured in the spring, heralded a fresh infusion of funds, demanding a strategic approach to manage this boon. Conversations between the Commissioners and Park Board have been frequent, with a preliminary budget submitted on September 18th, hinting at the collaborative efforts to utilize the additional resources effectively.
Larson outlined the timeline, with levy funds slated for availability around April 2024, creating a unique scenario for the Park District. The budget, initially set at $311,000—up by $20,000 from 2023 due to adjustments like health insurance costs—needed reevaluation post-levy approval.
The crux of the discussion hinged on ensuring the Park District’s operational stability from the beginning of 2024 until the levy funds were accessible. Larson and the Commissioners, after consulting with financial advisor Pat Dropsy, agreed on an adjusted budget to create a financial cushion through the end of April 2024.
The Park District, bolstered by the levy’s success, has not only managed to extend the availability of facilities but is also planning to enhance staffing levels. The animal care specialist’s hours will be increased without additional benefits costs, an office assistant’s hours will be bumped up to manage increased administrative demands, and a former intern will be returning as a land technician.
Larson also touched on infrastructure improvements, like the possibility of an underground tunnel for safer park crossings, while acknowledging the financial prudence required until the levy funds roll in.
The session reflected a communal spirit, with the public and board members recognizing the need for fiscal restraint in the interim. The anticipation of independent funding through the levy has infused the district with optimism, marking a pivot towards a sustainable and prosperous future for Richland County’s green spaces.
The Commissioners concluded the session without further questions, leaving with a sense of achievement and anticipation for the transformations that the levy funds would bring to the community’s parks and recreational facilities.
In a candid exchange, Commissioner Mears praised the Park Board’s diligence and foresight, emphasizing the community’s excitement over the future benefits of the levy’s success.
