Geneva Park District proposes balanced budget

The Geneva Park District’s 2011-2012 budget will be balanced if all marks are hit.

The budget draft unveiled recently calls for $12.49 million in both revenue and spending.

It relies on real estate operating fund taxes for 56 percent of the revenue, followed by programming fees for 18 percent and a construction fund levy for 13 percent. Its two fitness centers account for 6 percent of the revenue.

On the expense side, recreation costs amount to 39 percent of the budget, administrative costs and Peck Farm Park account for 27 percent, and construction for 13 percent.

The budget earmarks $140,000 for stabilizing the shoreline at Bennett Park, which is on the Fox River; $150,000 for replacing the playground at Sterling Manor Park; and $150,000 for work to bring a community gardening area to Prairie Green Preserve. There is also $295,000 planned for bringing facilities up to current federal code for accessibility to the disabled.

It also includes extra money to hire more part-time people for its additional programming, offset by increased fees from that programming.

Investment income is anticipated at 50 percent less than last year’s budget, as some of the district’s bonds are maturing and will be renewed at lower interest rates.

The fiscal year starts Sunday, and the park board will conduct a public hearing on the budget June 20.