GAS — The walking track in Fees Park, at the west edge of town, has proven a popular amenity for residents and for some from out of town. Its cost, however, is a little more than first thought.
Gas councilmen Tuesday evening learned that the city will pay $10,500 more for its share of the project, funded in part by a grant from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. That’s because the grant application overlooked some preparation cost that pushed the total to $53,588, not the $43,088 originally anticipated.
The outcome is KDHE paid $32,044 and Gas’ responsibility now totals $21,544 in cash.
Previously, Gas councilmen were prepared to pay $11,044.
The additional expense put a squeeze on the city’s budget, but City Clerk Rhonda Hill said she was confident reallocation of funds and expenses would be sufficient to cover the unexpected bill. In a worse case scenario, the city might find itself a smidgen out of compliance with it budget authority, she said, which at most would draw a reprimand from auditors.
Steve Robb, city superintendent, noted that the track, a quarter of a mile long and made of recycled vehicle tires, had drawn many users, particularly with the recent Indian summer weather.
“I also see people from Iola there,” Hill said.
People who have donated money for the park, including the walking track, will be recognized on a large aluminum plaque that will be erected at its southwest corner, under a small tree that eventually will grow to fully shade the monument.
Robb also reported the city had a nearly $800 profit from trash pickup in October. Income from the $7 a month charge to 246 subscribers was $1,814; expenses were $1,033.
Gas track more costly
