Park board accepts 2024 annual report after questions about revenues and personnel

The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board voted Wednesday to accept the park department’s 2024 annual report after members asked staff for clarifications on several line items.

Board members pressed staff about a large tenant credit connected to Sunset Grill, personnel and overtime at the zoo gift shops and a large year-to-year variance in a contractual “other services” line. Park Department staff said the Sunset Grill credit related to tenant-approved electrical upgrades to an upper patio and that contractual variances can reflect one-time repairs such as equipment replacement; the report’s variance notes list repairs and other explanations at the end of the report.

Members asked whether higher parking revenue reflected price increases or expanded operating days. Staff said roughly 30 percent of the parking increase was from a price change and that additional weekend openings — the department stayed open through September last year — added to revenue as well. Board members also noted a rise in senior center membership and credited improved outreach and a remodeled facility for higher participation.

After discussion, a board member moved to accept the 2024 park department annual report and the motion carried by voice vote.

The board did not adopt any new policy as part of the vote; it accepted the document as presented and asked staff to follow up with variance details by email on request.