Health & Fitness
Confusion Over Drive-In Funds Leads BOF to Request Detailed Records
Multiple memos from Parks Board and Drive-in committee tell opposing tales of how money is being handled for renovations and upgrades to the town-owned facility and where money is coming from.
The Board of Finance had a goal of completing all end-of-the-fiscal-year tasks Wednesday evening, but confusion regarding the use of funds to complete renovations at the Southington Drive-In left members to request detailed information.
Items of contention and split votes centered around the final payment for the rental copier in the town’s Recreation Office and multiple conflicting funding requests, especially those relating to the Southington Drive-In.
Finance members Edward Pocock Jr. and John Moise voted against the final payment of $193 for the Recreation Department copier, which was removed after it logged thousands of copies in excess of the contract requiring a fund transfer of $1,300 in March.
Town Manager Garry Brumback said the tow has since begun consolidating all copier contracts within town government to eliminate any similar contracts in the future. The vote was eventually approved 4-2.
The other area of contention and confusion was regarding the Recreation Park expansion and work done on the new all purpose field, the pavilion, the movie screen and parking/viewing area at the Southington Drive-In.
Based on a question from the audience, it was stated that the requested $14,000 transfer to the capital fund was money from the Drive-In committee's 2010 revenues designed for future improvements to the Drive-In operations.
Reading from one memo from the Drive-in Committee, the funds were for the renovations of the two ticket booths and restoration of the marquee on Meriden-Waterbury Road to something similar to the original design. Reading from a memo from the Parks Board, however, the funds were requested for prior work already completed last fall to the grass parking area and this year to the pavilion.
Chairman John Leary again requested that staff supply the Board of Finance with a detailed breakdown of funds received and spent from Town funds and private donations for all aspects of work.
The initial affirmative vote to approve the transfer was rescinded by the Board of Finance over the confusion regarding conflicting information and lack of clarity. A detailed spreadsheet of all revenues and expenses is due to be presented to the Finance Board at their September meeting.
If you are confused or annoyed over this issue, how do you think the Board of Finance feels???
