Manson Parks talks budget, payroll, contracted services

MANSON – Manson Parks and Recreation Board Members held a special meeting Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Parks Office.

The 2018 budget was discussed at the special meeting, with coverage on proposed pay increases to parks employees. The proposed raises range from three percent to four and a half percent for the employees on the lower spectrum of the payroll. The pay raise, according to Parks Director Robin Pittman, will get employees ahead of the prevailing and rising minimum wage increase.

Parks members moved from the budget, into discussion for the renewal of contracted services with Blackwatch Security. The parks are currently under the watch of the security service, and generally run two-year agreements. However, with the upcoming levy ending the end of 2018, the parks board has opted to sign a one-year agreement with an option for a second year, securing the monitoring services for the local parks. 

Concluding the special meeting was a discussion on the request for authorization of Resolution 2017-03, an authorization for 2018 Tax Levy increase, in which the board members approved the ordinance for the annual one-percent property tax levy increase.

The next regular monthly meeting will be held Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. in the Parks and Recreation office.