Park district budget up in Wood County

12/15/2009

BOWLING GREEN — Wood County park commissioners yesterday approved a nearly $2.7 million budget for 2010 that included raises for five workers identified as underpaid in a recent salary study.

The spending plan was slightly larger than the $2.5 million budget for 2009, primarily because of capital improvements planned for the parks, said Neil Munger, director of the park district. The district derives more than 90 percent of its income from a county-wide levy that generates slightly more than $3 million a year.

Park commissioners came under fire last January after awarding and then rescinding double-digit raises for some employees. The controversy prompted the board to hire a consultant to analyze its salary structure and institute a new compensation plan.