The City of Williamsport Recreation Department had what its coordinator described as a “bounce back” year, but with COVID-19 pandemic impacts lingering and affecting revenue overall heading into the 2022 proposed budget season.

Kayla Drummond, city department coordinator of recreation and special events, discussed some of the challenges of providing recreational programming and holding activities that drew in foot traffic.

One issue noted by the finance committee was with payroll going over budget and special events, such as the StrEAT Food Truck festival not producing as much income as in years past.

Drummond acknowledged the department income also was affected by the closing of Memorial Park Pool, which is going to get a new liner or membrane and be repaired and on target to be open in late May.

Summer camp numbers were down to 30 to 25 children compared to pre-virus years averaging 50 to 70 kids, she said.

An individual for camp was hired at a salary higher than what was budgeted for, said Councilwoman Liz Miele, finance committee chairwoman.

“What I am hearing is you had the right amount of staff, about one-third of the campers and exceeded the budget by 20%,” Miele said.

“I don’t know whether it is an administrative failure,” Miele said, adding, “we can’t afford substantial raises not budgeted for or we create an ongoing problem.”

Programming is about $6,000 over budget.

Under special events, which is usually on the plus side of between $10,000 to $20,000, this year is break even.

Miele suggested as Drummond prepared departmental expenditures and revenues that she re-examine the pay structure within the department and hold a discussion on that with Mayor Derek Slaughter.

It will be necessary because of the mandated salary increases the city must pay for through union contracts not related to the recreation department, Miele said.