At the November 15 meeting, the Metroparks board of commissioners approved the budget for 2023.
Matt Cleland, chief financial officer, said annual appropriations will total $89.14 million. “It’s been quite a process with all departments.”
He noted in the interest of transparency, the full budget will be posted on the Metroparks website for the public’s review.
The largest portion of the budget is dedicated to capital projects at $44.24 million. It is followed by contract services, $11.73 million; salaries, $11.58 million; debt payments, $3.87 million; fringe benefits, $3.8 million; utilities, $1.4 million; materials and supplies, $1.38 million; contingencies, $519,600, and other, $194,610.
The commissioners also approved revenues, estimated at $100.85 million. Taxes and intergovernmental account for most of the revenue at $65.57 million. Other sources of revenue include fines and forfeitures, charges for services/fees, sales, donations, interest income and miscellaneous.
Mr. Cleland anticipates a fund balance on January 1 of $22.45 million.
Other Business
In other business, the park board:
•Declared as wood surplus 45,000 board feet and approved its sale through a formal bidding process. Proceeds from the sale will go back into site restoration throughout the park system, said Tim Schetter, director of natural resources.
•Contracted with Jake Coolman for $4,000 to conduct carriage rides during Holidays at the Manor House.
•Engaged the law firm of Marshall & Melhorn LLC for legal services at a cost not to exceed $110,000.
•Approved bills for October totaling $5.34 million.
•Approved an amendment to the 2022 revenues and appropriations to reflect grant program updates.
•Expressed appreciation to voters for their support of the park district’s levy, noting that the support was overwhelming.
Matt Killiam, chief outreach officer, credited volunteers who worked on its passage, adding “it was relatively easy when you have 90 plus years of a great product.”
The next park board meeting will be at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 13, in Ward Pavilion at Wildwood Metropark, 5100 Central Avenue, Toledo, and is open to the public. ~Jane Maiolo
