The Great Bend Recreation Commission is proposing a maximum general fund budget of $1,649,900 for fiscal year 2011-12, with $485,990 earmarked for personnel. An additional $164,720 not included in the $1.6 million is budgeted for the employee benefit fund, GBRC Director Diann Henderson said Monday as her board of directors held its public budget hearing.
"The adopted budget will provide the Recreation Commission with our maximum budget authority," Henderson said. "It’s the maximum expenditure that we want to set. We’re not looking to expend all of these monies."
The budget is based on a tax levy of 5 mils, plus an additional 1 mil for the employee benefit plan.
Based on a recent estimate of property valuations, each mil is expected to bring in $157,989. The commission receives taxes from the same people who pay taxes for Great Bend USD 428.
Henderson said the total amount budgeted for personnel in the general fund is 1.8 percent more than was budgeted in 2010-11. GBRC has also budgeted $217,103 for contractual obligations, $124,075 for supplies, and $746,232 for capital outlay/unencumbered cash.
Henderson said plans for capital outlay are closer to $75,000. Items on the list include a sound system, floor scrubber/buffer, fencing and landscaping for the new GBRC Activity Center; office furniture; miscellaneous equipment; portable fencing for Westfall Field; computer hardware and software applications and upgrades; and a new van.
In her monthly financial report to the board, Henderson said GBRC received $954,820 revenue for the fiscal year that ended June 30, compared to $915,711 the previous year. Cash in the checking account and in certificates of deposit was $819,077, which was $51,487 more than the year before.
June is a busy month for the GBRC, with ball games and other activities, as well as swim lessons. Henderson reported total enrollment last month was 3,789, and there were 23,046 participants — of which 11,105 were spectators — and 1,527.5 hours of supervised activities.
In other business, Henderson talked about the GBRC’s new Facebook page, which includes scheduling information. The board also voted to keep GBRC employee Vandy Simpson as its treasurer for another year.
Sports Program Coordinator Chris Umphres said co-ed softball rules will be unchanged from last year, and reported tournaments are wrapping up.
Leisure Program Coordinator Garet Fitzpatrick said Children’s Theater has 46 participants, and will present "Aladdin" at 7 p.m. this Friday at the Crest Theater. It is open to the public and admission is free.
Linda Marqueling, coordinator of programs for senior citizens and special populations, was not present but Henderson listed some of upcoming activities. Marqueling will be retiring soon after 48 years of service, including 39 years as a recreation professional teaching aquatics.
The board is planning a card shower for Marqueling’s retirement. People may drop cards off at the Recreation Center, 1214 Stone St., or mail them to GBRC, Post Office Box 353, Great Bend, KS 67530, not later than July 26.
