A planned indoor aquatics center factored into a nearly $1 million increase in general fund spending for Bismarck's park system next year.

The Bismarck Park Board approved its 2009 budget Thursday with expenditures projected at $14.08 million.

According to its director Steve Neu, proposed general fund expenses spiked from $8,538,700 for 2008 to $9,427,950 next year.

He said the main reasons for the increase are the indoor aquatics wellness center operation budget at $353,000, a 4.1 percent increase, and wages, an extra $347,450, also a 4.1 percent increase.

The budget also includes five new full-time employees. Four will be assigned to the aquatics and wellness center. The fifth will be involved with park operations.

"The projection is the center will be operating by next fall," Neu said Friday afternoon. He said part-time staff also are factored into this budget, along with the facility's operating costs. He said they will need to work at the pool site before it opens.

"Like everyone else, our utility costs are up. We're paying about $150,000 more," Neu said. He added the pool figures are included in the $1.13 million utility costs.

The Burleigh County Commission recently issued a $5.5 million Municipal Industrial Development Act revenue bond to finance the indoor swimming facility on Bismarck State College property. The pool is intended to be used by the public for recreational purposes.

The bonds were issued for the Streamline Foundation which is financing the facility.

While the park district will not be responsible for building costs at the indoor swimming pool, it has agreed to pay operating expenses.

General operating expenses for the Bismarck Park District also climbed $188,800, a 2.2 percent increase.

The park district levied a total of 38.65 mills for some of its revenue. A mill for the city of Bismarck is valued at $184,300.

Revenue for park district is drawn from the following:

n 49 percent property taxes or $6.94 million.

n 26 percent fees and and charges or $3.59 million.

n 7 percent association and management contracts or just over $1 million.

n 5 percent state aid or $748,250.

n 3 percent grants and intergovernmental sources or $354,500.

n 10 percent other sources or $1.4 million.

The 2009 costs are apportioned as follows:

n 16 percent or $2.189 million for full-time salaries and wages

n 17 percent or $2.37 million for part-time salaries and wages

n 6 percent or $850,650 for contracted services.

n 11 percent or $1.56 million in supplies and operations

n 8 percent or $1.13 million for utilities

n 5 percent or $678,600 for insurance

n 3 percent or $420,500, capital equipment

n 27 percent or $3.96 million, capital improvements.

n 7 percent or $917,700 for miscellaneous.

Line items covered in the budget include golf operations at the city's three golf courses at a cost of $1.53 million, operation of its arena and pools at $1.12 million, the Memorial Building at $148,400, administration $911,800 and recreation activities at $1.78 million.

Other items mentioned are $4,000 to the Dakota Zoo, $125,800 for McDowell Dam, $185,000 in forestry, $295,000 in municipal leases, $193,400 at Sibley Park, $357,900 at Capital Racquet and Fitness Center, $118,950 for the High Prairie Arts and Science Complex, $200,000 in contingencies, $353,000 at the aquatic wellness center, and $299,350 at the Community Bowl.

Of the $2.36 million in capital projects, about $1 million is budgeted for construction, acquisition and renovation, $400,000 is earmarked for government construction and $936,000 is marked for park improvement.

He said the budget includes vehicle and golf cart replacements. "We provided a balanced budget to meet the needs of the community. Our mill levy issued is the same," he said. "Our revenue generated was higher than the (property tax) growth."

(Reach reporter LeAnn Eckroth at 250-8264 or leann.eckroth@bismarcktribune.com.)