HPD board reviews 2021 budget

The Hancock Park District board on Tuesday reviewed and offered tentative approval of its 2021 budget. The $1.6 million-plus general fund budget receives a majority of its revenue from a 0.8-mill, eight-year replacement levy approved by county voters in March 2016. The tax has generated more than $1.5 million this year. Levy funds are used for day-to-day operations at the park district, headquartered at 1424 E. Main Cross St., such as salaries, benefits and utilities. The organization manages a variety of park operations throughout Hancock County. The budget includes a 1% pay hike for employees, though director Gary Pruitt said he would decline any pay raise this year. The pay raise does not reflect on employees' performance, according to Pruitt's report to the board, but the financial impact created by COVID-19 which not only affects the park district, but residents and businesses throughout the county. For example, he listed a decline in facility rental income, from $70,000 to a projected $20,000 in 2021, although reservations have been suspended through next year, and possibly longer. The remainder of the general fund budget comes from payments for programs, building rentals and various activities. Among the expense estimates included in the budget are: a Ford F250 four-wheel drive pickup with a snow plow, $29,615; a Ford F150 two-wheel drive pickup, $25,765; new furnace and air conditioner for Brugeman Lodge, $22,810; John Deere zero-turn mower, $11,840; upgraded parking lot lights at Brugeman Lodge, $11,340; and a new pedal boat dock at Riverside Park, $5,400. A request is anticipated for funds from Hancock Parks Foundation for the dock. Also included is an estimated $29,050 for new siding on the park district administrative office building. The project is "part of an ongoing effort to replace, upgrade and modernize facilities throughout the Hancock Park (District) system." The budget is available to review for 30 days upon request to the park district office at 419-425-7275. The board will take action to approve the budget at its Dec. 8 meeting.