The Daily Dispatch

A recent increase to employee health insurance is forcing the city of Breckenridge to make $95,000 in cuts before the year’s end, forcing a 15 percent spike in resident taxes or an additional fee to utility bills.

The finance committee discussed the 23 percent increase Thursday, saying nothing is set in stone yet and the issue will be brought before the city council. Officials halted budget plans in the past few months to include the information.

Bev Wilson, city clerk treasurer, said the rate is 2 percent less than anticipated, equal to $5,000. But as the city's deficit requires trimming, the finance committee is exploring a way to reduce the $74,000 annual street lighting bill. If residents pay an extra $4 per month, it would reduce the city's debt to $20,000.

"Twenty thousand is still a lot, but it's more manageable," said Wilson after the meeting.

The finance committee is also mulling its annual $75,000 payment for Breckenridge youth and enrichment activities. Arly Ohm, youth program director, informed the group that funding is well spent - in the past year, participation in activities such as flag football have almost doubled and open gym figures at the school have tripled. The district's joint venture with Wahpeton, Twin Town League Baseball, had 138 participants this summer. Both cities are splitting the cost.

"Truthfully, we were very pleased with the year," said Ohm, who added the Twin Town collaboration has worked very well.

Family activities and other events through the school have been offered at the Breckenridge Family Community Center, and next year the district plans to offer an additional robotics, science and math class to students.

But committee members were concerned about the distribution of funds, as it also covers coaches, custodial and supervision fees. Members also questioned how much of the city's funding covers students, as the open gym can duplicate students and Ohm said camps are self-sustaining. Some of the activities require fees up to $40.

"If you add up those participation numbers and divide by $75,000... that's a number I'd like to know," said committee member Brenda Woytassek.

Mayor Cliff Barth asked about the necessity of some of the enrichment activities, such as a baking class.

"Not everybody is sports related," said Ohm. "The enrichment activities we've added... have been a big hit with kids and parents."

Although he expressed understanding about the city's financial situation, Ohm said the lack of a full-time activity coordinator saves funds. Equipment costs are expensive, particularly for the baseball initiative, and other funding inquiries through local organizations haven't gone as well as expected, he said.

The city has already paid $50,000 for recreational programs this year, and members asked the need to pay $25,000 more.

"Anything we cut, in my personal opinion, means we'll cut something out of here," he said. "I would hate to see us go back to the time where we asked for volunteers, because that doesn't work."

The committee decided to postpone the issue, saying the situation is a difficult one.

"I don't want to put cold, hard numbers to kids, but we have to come to reality here," said Woytassek.

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