Independence Township Parks, Recreation and Seniors department presented its proposed $2.325-million budget for 2014 to Independence Township Board, Sept. 10.
The department’s 2013 budget was $2.330 million. The new budget includes $18,383 for landscaping and preventative maintenance projects, which had previously been deferred, $30,000 for a full-time senior programmer, $9,100 in raises for part-time senior center employees, and $10,000 for additional special events and front desk part-time labor for the main office, said Parks and Recreation Supervisor Ken Elwert.
The Building Department’s $637,181 budget for 2014 includes a $126,315 decrease in labor costs, due to loss of three employees in 2013, the ordinance officer, building inspector, and secretary specialist.
Increases include $120,000 to Safebuilt for inspections and plan reviews, and $45,000 to Carlisle/Wortman for planning and zoning services. The department’s 2013 budget was $610,121.
Final budgets will be approved later this year.
-Andrea Beaudoin