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PARKS DEPARTMENT PLACES FINANCE INFORMATION IN WITH CITY’S

By Erin France/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Friday, December 19, 2008 10:50 PM CST

Pine Bluff’s Parks and Recreation Department will roll its finances with the city’s after a 3-1 vote by the parks commission.

Except for the Historic Commission, and now the parks commission, all other autonomous city commissions keep their books separate from the city’s.

Part of the stated reasoning behind members voting for the change was to make the park’s finances more transparent.

“In the long run, it’s easier for every one,” Commissioner Christopher Castoro said.

The city would specifically be responsible for the department’s payroll.

Commission Chairman Mac Norton, who abstained from the vote, said it could bring the commission into city politics.

“You start blurring that line again,” he said.

Pine Bluff’s finance director Steve Miller was called during the meeting to clarify points on how much the parks department would pay for the change and clear up issues surrounding the department’s separate tax identification number.

“I don’t want to overstate what we can bring to the table,” Miller said. “I think we can help you.”

Originally, there was discussion that the department could have its payroll done free, but since the parks department has a separate tax identification number, it will cost the city extra to complete the task. Even without the tax ID issue, it would still be an expense.

The reason for a separate tax ID was not known, although parks director Angela Parker said it could be a requirement for certain grants.

Commissioner Teki Jimenez voted against the motion.

“I can’t see making the city pay out more,” she said.

The cost to the parks department will remain the same, $300 per month for payroll, Miller said. He also mentioned that including the parks department financials in the city’s could help answer questions Mayor Carl A. Redus Jr. has raised concerning employees’ salaries.

The city’s administrative offices currently receive monthly financial reports from the parks department.

Commissioners Donald Hatchett, Abel White and Castoro voted in favor of the motion.

Also passed was an adjustment in Parker’s salary. Parker’s $500 per month car allowance will be rolled into her salary. She will be reimbursed for mileage and receive a $50 per month reimbursement for the business use of her private phone.

Her total salary is now $54,500, which includes the 3 percent cost-of-living increase financed by the city and about a $20 raise in her total annual salary.

Commissioners will revisit issues concerning raises for parks employees at the beginning of the new year.

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