The beach/marina/boat launch and park facility — once a privately owned property on Lake Zoar — now offers a newer recreation area to the public, which was hampered last season when budget constraints forced Ms Mangold’s department to shorten cove hours. As budget season looms, the recreation commission this week considered its parks, fees, and financial needs for the coming year, beginning with Eichler’s Cove.

“We are going to ask to reinstate the hour we removed last year due to cuts,” Ms Mangold said after the meeting.

Just one part of the proposed $2.2 million recreation budget up for discussion this week, a 2.52 percent increase, Eichler’s Cove also represents Ms Mangold’s hopes to maintain services this coming year.

Increases are meant to “maintain current services to the community without a reduction,” she said. Any budget adjustments compared to last year are necessary, she feels. “For example, if we don’t reinstate hours at Eichler’s Cove, it’s a loss of service and we would like to continue with same services,” she said. Other necessary areas of increase came with the cost of living. “We have seen a rise in cost for maintenance supplies such as paint or fertilizer.” Contractual union increases are also factored into the Parks and Recreation Department’s budget plan.

But overall, most line items remained the same. “We are trying to retain a same-service program,” Ms Mangold said.

Reflecting comments made about the budget process during a recent department head meeting, Ms Mangold warned, “It’s going to be a tough year.”

Considering the spending proposal before the commission, Mr Marks said, “I think it’s really conservative.”

The total $2.2 million, 2.52 percent increased budget, which is still under consideration by the recreation commission, will be a subject of discussion again on Tuesday, November 27, at 6 pm, during a special meeting. Once the commission approves its budget, the plan will go before the Boards of Selectmen, Finance, and finally the Legislative Council.

Included in the 2.52 percent hike is a proposed $220,000 capital request line item, which is also subject to approval. This request includes both equipment and project requests for a replacement utility vehicle, an aerator, a replacement 52-inch Z-mower, a field sod stripper, a trencher, and other field equipment items to handle maintenance, snow, leaves, and lawn. Among proposed projects are Treadwell sidewalk installation, an irrigation control system, pocket park study, Treadwell playground and pavilion upgrades, field renovations, park gates, and more.

The commission had made a more than $650,000 cut to its overall capital request line item by reducing or eliminating certain items.

Ms Mangold said her department has “tried hard to form a responsible budget.” The recreation staff “has done really well managing resources and saving funds and completing projects via donation, or doing work in house.” Park crews will do work such as grading and refinishing the Oakview field.

 

Adjusted Fees

A seasons swim pass per family, which gains access to both Eichler’s Cove and Treadwell Park pool, could cost $200 rather than $150 next season.

The commission will have to vote on the $50 change at the next meeting, but Ms Mangold feels it is fair. “The cost has not changed since 2009. It fits cost of living and what it costs us to operate the facilities.”

During Tuesday’s meeting commission member Jan Brookes had said, “It doesn’t represent a large increase.”

Ms Mangold added, “One hundred fifty dollars was really low for a family season pass.”

Mr Marks agreed with the $200 fee.