Parma approves larger petty-cash account and new recreation positions ahead of Ridgewood Golf Course and event center opening

Parma City Council on Sept. 15 approved ordinances that increase petty-cash capacity tied to the Ridgewood Golf Course and establish positions in the Division of Parks and Recreation related to an upcoming clubhouse and event center.

Ordinance 179-25 amends Section 131.01 (petty cash accounts) to increase the petty-cash limit for the golf course/event-center operations. Recreation Director Chris Vitardy and Auditor Brian Day briefed council on why a larger working balance is needed: monthly disbursements tied to catering, vendors and liquor-service needs can quickly exhaust the existing $15,000 account, and staff forecasts showed large single-event expenses. Treasurer Tom Mastroianni and Auditor Day told council that the account is audited monthly and historically has been monitored without findings. Auditor Day said state auditors have reviewed the account in prior audits.

Vitardy said the increase is intended to enable efficient on-site payments during events. The treasurer explained the account operates through a separate bank arrangement (PNC) and is reconciled monthly; the auditor said he had no objection but would continue audit oversight. Auditor Day described the account as “a separate account through PNC” and noted that “the checks and balances for the account are exactly the same” though the amount is larger due to the events program.

Council also adopted Ordinance 184-25, which amends positions within the Division of Parks and Recreation to add roles necessary to staff the pub and event center. The measures were passed under suspension of the rules because staff said the golf course and event center opening are imminent.

Council members debated whether the account name should remain “petty cash” for this operational model; some members called it an unusual use of the label but did not block the increase. Several elected officials asked staff to provide continued reporting and to confer with the state auditor if additional guidance was required. Recreation Director Vitardy said the city would reassess the account size after events begin and could reduce it if excess capacity is evident.

Why this matters: the city has authorized larger immediate-payment capacity to support the operations of the Ridgewood clubhouse and an event center, and it created staff positions to run hospitality operations. Auditing and procurement requirements remain in force, and the auditor and treasurer said they will continue monthly oversight.