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Politics & Government

Park District Continues to Cleanse Image

Staff proposes a slimmer budget with a $2 million surplus as transparency is the mantra of board.

In continuing efforts to improve its image, the got a look at its budget for the next fiscal year, changed auditors and tightened its check signing policy last week.  

Executive Director Liza McElory and her staff presented a nearly $18 million budget at Thursday's meeting. The staff shaved more than $1.5 million from last year’s spending and have built a surplus of nearly $2 million into the current proposal. 

The proposed budget is available for public review both at the Park District offices at the West Ridge Center and the . 

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“We want as many people as possible to have a chance to see it,” McElory said about accessing the budget, which will also be available at the Park District's website as soon as some technical glitches are fixed. 

The commissioners and staff acknowledge they have been operating too long without a master plan as they take a broad overview of programming and its cost for the coming fiscal year. 

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“This will be the last budget not connected to a strategic plan or a long range plan,” McElory said. “Our work in 2012 will include a master plan, working with the Army Corps of Engineers on  and new financial software.”

The current financial software is 30 years old. 

Finance Director Rich Hentschel explained the volunteerism of more than 3,000 people was one reason why expenses were lower. “We have a wonderful group of volunteers,” he said. 

Kathy Donahue, director of recreation services, explained a strong effort will be made to maintain or increase user fees for services at sites such as Sunset Valley Golf Course, Centennial Ice Area, Deer Creek Courts, Hidden Creek AquaPark, the Recreation Center and the lakefront boating facilities. 

Though the Park District has had no problems with its previous check signing procedures or its longtime auditor, the commissioners decided to make a change so the district’s finances get a fresh look. 

“As a result of what has happened, we thought it is a good idea to make a change,”  said.

Last summer, a scandal broke after it was discovered that the park board had approved contracts providing huge salaries and pensions to three executives. Many of the  pledged more scrutiny to prevent similar incidents.

Lauterbach & Amen, an accounting firm in Warrenville, got the nod after a competitive bidding process among three firms. The commissioners reviewed the closed-bid proposals, ranking them in order of quality without opening the envelope to learn the cost. 

“When we opened the envelope, it turned out the best proposal was the least expensive,” Bernstein said.

Lauterbach & Amen will be paid $18,300, according to Bernstein. The commissioners approved the bid, 4-0, with , Elaine Waxman and joining Bernstein in awarding the contract. Commissioner David Fairman was absent. 

In the past, all checks issued by the Park District required a stamped signature from a commissioner along with either the executive director or finance director. After another 4-0 vote, no stamped signatures will be allowed. 

Checks written for less than $2,500 must be signed by both McElory and Hentschel. Payments in excess of $2,500 will require the signature of either McElory or Hentschel along with a commissioner. 

Bernstein explained this was another attempt to add transparency to the board’s efforts.

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