The Manhattan Park District passed its tax levy for the upcoming year, which reflects a 6.67% percent increase over last year’s tax revenue. The Park District Board also approved Executive Director Jay Kelly’s three-year contract for $144,432 for 2025, with incremental increases between four and six percent each year of the contract.
Kelly’s new contract includes a four percent increase over last year—unless the consumer price index (CPI) exceeds four percent at the start of 2025. If the CPI is higher, Kelly could receive up to a six percent maximum increase, and that provision is included for each contract year.
Kelly’s contract also includes a monthly $600 stipend in lieu of receiving a Park District vehicle, a $100 stipend in lieu of a phone, bonuses and additional compensation under the discretion of the Park Board, and traditional medical and life insurance benefits.
The District held a Truth in Taxation hearing; however, no members of the public spoke. Two members of the Board were absent from the meeting and hearing, which left only three members to establish the quorum and vote on Park District matters.
Bridgette Forsythe reported that Breakfast and Santa was a success, and she also noted that the sod and trees at Round Barn Farm looked great.
Kelly reported that the Park District Foundation has a full Board and will begin quarterly meetings in March 2025.
Bills were approved for $453,888.75, and Commissioner Joe Farkas inquired why the amount was so high. Forsythe and Kelly responded that the District paid out the majority of the trail grant, which they expect to be reimbursed for at a later date.
Farkas asked how long it takes to receive the grant monies, to which Kelly did not know, but he anticipated that it wouldn’t take long. Kelly noted that once grants are approved, it doesn’t take too long for the District to receive the funds.
Kelly reported that the dog park is almost ready, and they anticipate a groundbreaking ceremony in the spring.
“One foot across the finish line,” District Attorney Jayser Claudio responded when Kelly asked how close they were.
“The license agreement is in final form, ready for execution. There’s just been a difference of opinion regarding the insurance certificate,” Claudio said.
In other park projects, Kelly also noted that a bike repair station will be installed along the east of the parking lot by the softball fields at Round Barn Farm.
Commissioner Ed Ludwig asked what was going on Saturday, December 22, which Kelly advised that there would be a
The Board also approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Manhattan School District to dedicate Wilson Creek School to the Park District after school and on weekends. According to Kelly, the agreement included the Park District assisting with turf maintenance and mowing.
The Board also approved a repair proposal for Round Barn Farm for $1.694M, which includes complete barn restoration and exterior emergency staircases.
Kelly reported that although the restoration was comprehensive, it would not include batproofing or some of the demolition that the Park District would handle themselves.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter
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