Parks board approves two year-end transfer resolutions and claims docket

The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board approved two year-end interfund transfer resolutions and several routine financial items at its Dec. 3 meeting.

Superintendent Missus Eason read Resolution 1080, explaining transfers to cover unanticipated expenses and to correct negative balances in several accounts. Specific amounts read into the record included decreases and increases across administration and operating line items with sample figures such as a seasonal wages reduction/increase of $16,141 and line items for legal services, electric and water adjustments noted during the reading. A motion to approve Resolution 1080 was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.

The board also approved Resolution 1081, which moved money within the concession fund and zoo fund for items such as zoo food and contractual expenses (the reading included an $8,000 interfund operating transfer to zoo food). Finance staff presented the claims docket for Dec. 3 totaling $15,151.04 for municipal funds; the board approved that docket and voted to authorize credit card charges totaling $2,035.77 for event and program expenses (detailed line items included catering, theater actors, craft supplies and a point-of-sale display purchase).

During discussion a board member asked whether the concession fund applies only to the zoo; staff clarified the concession fund covers multiple park facilities including Patriot Park and Northpointe Pavilion. Public comment from Mister Dabney noted that transfers are internal reallocations, not new revenue, and called for public education on the transfer process.