Mill Creek MetroParks approves budget

CANFIELD -- Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks approved several end-of-the-year measures including a temporary budget for 2005.
The passage of the temporary budget of $2.1 million will allow the park to spend funds for the operation of the MetroParks system until March, when the total accounting of 2004 expenditures should be completed and a permanent budget for the year approved. The annual budget is estimated at $10 million, Dave Christy, treasurer of the park system, said Monday.
Commissioners also gave 2 percent pay raises to salaried personnel for 2005, which is in line with raises given to unionized park employees who are members of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the Fraternal Order of Police.
In addition, a 3 percent wage increase was approved for the 12 part-time police officers. Their salaries are based on 75 percent of the amount given to a full-time police officer.
The 2005 contract for Andy Santor, the park's golf course pro, was approved an annual salary of $41,938, also representing a 2 percent increase.
The next is scheduled for at 7 p.m. Feb. 7 at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield.