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Millis Recreation reports 28% revenue gain, seeks above-level increases and modest director-hour bump
Summary
Recreation Director Chris Bogarty told the Finance Committee revenue rose 28% in 2024 and the department requests a roughly $25,463 above-level increase for program contracted services and a 2.5-hour-per-week addition to the director’s workweek.
The Millis Recreation Department reported a 28% revenue increase for 2024 and told the Finance Committee it will seek above-level funding for program services and a small increase in director hours.
"We did increase the revenue last year by 28%," Recreation Director Chris Bogarty said, reporting roughly $227,000 in revenue versus about $135,000 in expenses. Bogarty highlighted the return of a successful carnival and fireworks and said the department expanded programs, including adaptive programs and teen/tween offerings.
Bogarty identified two above-level requests: a $25,463 increase in program contracted services to cover higher instructor fees, new program equipment and registration software (about $3,750 moved from IT historically), and a request to increase the director position from 35 to 37.5 hours per week (an additional 2.5 hours) to better align with department responsibilities. "The programs and events are held regular hours in addition to evening, weekends, holidays…the 2.5 hours a week increase would also align this position to be with all other department heads," Bogarty said and added he provided key-fob usage data showing frequent evening and weekend presence.
Committee members probed whether parts of the expense increase reflect inflation or new programming. Member Peter Berube noted some increases are the "cost of doing business" (inflation-driven), and members asked staff to clarify which costs are baseline versus above-level. Bogarty and Finance Director Jody Kersey said the administration has broken out contracted services, software, supplies and training in more detail to give the committee clearer visibility.
