I would think that most of the residents of Peru do not know how the Peru Recreation programs are funded and who takes care of most of it. Last year it was explained to me that there were 2 different recreation boards, one composed of the aldermen who at that time were O'Beirne, Mertel and Ferrari. The second group were citizens of Peru who were appointed to the Recreation COMMISSION and they took care of employees and financial matters. Since I was new to learning much of this city information I did not ask any more.
And now this year, I was attending the city council meeting last Monday when I received the usual packet of information and I found myself looking at the expenditures of the recreation department. Now this group is usually active only during the summer months and this is when they spend the funds. I decided to ask a question during the public comment and I asked why the director received 9.900.00 for working such a short period of time. The only one that answered my question was Mayor Harl and everyone else just said nothing. The Mayor told me that the city council had nothing to do with the expenditures. I asked again, the same question as I was amazed that all this money was spent and the city council did not approve expenditures.
I learned after the meeting that the money you see approved is in the city budget and there is no oversight as to how that money is spent. It is approved for the Recreation Commission to use and spend as they see fit. These people are good people willing to give their time but they are not elected officials and are given permission to spend up to 75,000 if the figures are correct. Are you surprised? Is this what you expected?
This year Ald. Ankiewicz is on the public property committee and whoever will replace Ald. Mikyska will possibly be the second member.
16 comments:
It is my understanding (according to the 2012 budget) that $50,000 comes from PROPERTY TAXES and $25,000 from the GENERAL FUND. How can this be and yet our council has no say in how they spend our money?
Lois,when does the fiscal year end for the city?
Lois, are there any aldermen on the recreation commission?
Would somebody please explain what are the responsibilities of the Recreation Committee and those of the Recreation Commission!! And, does one know what the other one is doing? In other words, do they work hand in hand or are the independent of one another?
Thank you. It looks like you just found $76K for street repairs. I see nothing in this budget that falls under the necessary column.
This is sort of like the library board. Not elected, but can spend tax money. But at least the library board has state law on their side.
Who is the director?
544PM
it is my understanding that Linda Kasik is the director
What is Ms. Kasik's viewpoint on building a splashpad in the City of Peru?
7:25PM
That I don't know but I did mention it to the Mayor and City Council about a month ago and I was told to wait until the state let us know about the pool grant. I am with you on a splash pad, but rumor has it the Mayor is not especially interested in one and maybe that is true because I have not heard it brought up by him or any member of the city council. Maybe we need to be letting some of our new council members know that we the residents of Peru would like a splash pad. There are now 3 new council members and a fourth to be added soon, just maybe we can shift the momentume back to working for the people here in Peru and moving toward making it a COMMUNITY.
4:51 PM
Most municipalities have a fiscal year that runs from May 1 of the current year to April 30 of the next. Not 100% sure Peru fits into that but probably.
4:58PM
No aldermen on the Recreation Commission. I had a discussion with an alderman recently and he said he would like to see it disbanded.
Seriously Peru could afford a splash pad but not a swimming pool. Oh I forgot, a few of the population of Peru are making a huge effort to become the Chicago of downstate Illinois. In their minds Economics 2011 calls for increasing the cities sales tax, TIFs, and Grants from a state gov't which is $14,000,000 in debt and raising our state income tax.
What would the final cost of the demolition of the old pool, the building of a new pool plus a parking lot plus all other expenses which come with a new pool be? Once the pool is built where is the money going to come from to pay for maintenance and manpower costs for the pool?
The biggest problem I have with spending millions on a swimming pool that it is to be used at the most for 10 weeks of the year and that means for the rest of the 42 remaining weeks, we are all spent out. Makes very poor economic sense whether it is money from the state (which I agree they don't have) or money we have raised through many events.
it just does not make economic sense in a fiscally stressed country, state and city. We cannot keep coming back to the residents for more money to maintain this structure.
I wish someone could explain it to me why they think Peru has to have a new pool in view of all the evidence to the contrary. It is very difficult to let go of the childhood dream of playing through the summer in a wonderful pool right in your own city.
THE ROADS SHOULD BE DONE FIRST. FORGET THE POOL WHEN WE GET DECENT ROADS THEN EVEN I WILL BE GLAD TO DONATE TO A POOL.
WAKE UP ALDERMEN, YOU CAN CONTROL THIS STUPIDITY.
ARE WE GOING TO DRIVE ON THE NEW POOL?????
I'M ABOUT TO LOSE A TIRE ON MY CAR, DUE TO THE POTHOLES, SURE THEY PATCH THEM, AND AFTER A GOOD RAIN, THE DEEP AGAIN. PLEASE WORRY ABOUT THE ROADS. NOTHING ELSE.
For those of you who have an opinion on the 1/2% sales tax increase for roads, etc. there will be a discussion regarding such at the June 1st city council meeting. If you can't make the meeting phone or e-mail your alderman and tell them how you feel about this issue.
There is no reason as a city we could not afford a splash pad...I would like our council and our mayor to be more involved at looking at the future of our city. Having lived in Las Vegas for a few years splash pads are inexpensive compared to a pool and could be done without affecting tax payers by eliminating the money used by the rec board (who is not elected) if I was in the mayor's position I would move day 1 to provide better services to the voters and the communities younger people.
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