Gurnee park district to see balanced budget

Modest spending and revenue increases are part of the Gurnee Park District’s proposed $13 million budget for 2011-12.

Park commissioners received a presentation on the budget from Executive Director Susie Kuruvilla at a meeting Tuesday night. The elected officials are expected to vote on the budget at a session next month.

Kuruvilla was upbeat about the budget, which projects 2 percent increases in revenue and expenses. She said the park system has been able to navigate a difficult economy through proper planning.

“I’m very, very happy to say we’re presenting the board with a balanced budget again,” Kuruvilla said.

About $1.7 million in the budget is earmarked for capital projects, with roughly $1.5 million pegged for loan repayments. Last year, the park district allotted $1.5 million for the projects and nearly $1.4 million to pay down debt.

Kuruvilla said about 6,000 passes to the Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center must be sold for the operation to break even. Park officials report 1,114 pass applications were processed as of March 7, generating $230,036.

Superintendent of Business Michael Szpylman said the pass sales have nudged about 1 percent ahead in the number of applications and 2 percent in revenue over a year ago.

Officials said they expect the park district’s tax rate for the 2011-12 budget season to remain about the same as last year. Officials said the park system has been seeking more revenue from user fees and other charges in an effort to keep a lid on the tax rate.

Roughly 45 percent of the Gurnee Park District’s total revenue is derived from property taxes and 41 percent from user fees and other charges.

“I think it’s a great budget,” park board President Libby Baker said. “I think it’s exciting things are still positive.”