Summer programming has wrapped up and fall events are right around the corner at the Peotone Park District. The district is preparing for its Zombie Run/Walk 5k, a Halloween Dance, and other events, including a Stained-Glass Witch class, self-defense classes and more.
The planned golf outing slated for Oct. 2 will likely be canceled due to a lack of interest, Parks Manager Kelly LaMore said. They simply haven’t generated the participation they had hoped for this year.
The only action taken at the latest board meeting was to move forward with allowing direct deposit for park district employees and electronic bill payment. Up until the vote, employees had been receiving paper checks.
Regarding finances, the park district’s accounting firm, SKDO, is working on completing and will soon wrap up the annual financial audit. Once everything is complete, the board will review a draft, approve it, and file it with the comptroller.
Additionally, the board began its annual tax levy discussions. No action was taken, but the board will need to determine the levy amount soon.
LaMore said they’ll be taking a hard look at the district’s finances.
“Once we get the numbers from the county, we’ll be able to analyze our finances,” she said.
LaMore shared some concerns about the LWSRA’s special recreation fund balance and that the district does not want to end up supplementing it with corporate funds. Each district that is a member of LWSRA retains a portion of the tax levy for ADA upgrades within the member park district. The discussion prompted the board to begin thinking about the levy as a whole, so they’ll be positioned to make a decision next month.
District employees have been working on formalized job descriptions and policy manuals.
The district made some updates to its website and email. More information on upcoming programs and events is available on the district’s website and Facebook page.
Three four-year commissioner terms are expiring next year and will be up for election. One open slot, a two-year term, is vacant following Barb Sim’s departure. Those interested in running for any seat can stop by the park district office to pick up a packet.