The Macomb Park Board last week approved issuing two letters of engagement to prepare for the park district's annual bond issue. One letter engages the services of law firm Chapman and Cutler, which has served the district for 20 years, while the other engages broker Bernardi Securities, which has worked on the district's last three bond issues.
District Treasurer Phil Weiss reported that the district's consolidated project fund finished August with a balance of $821,024, and the general fund ended the month with $600,241. Weiss said the park district received a property tax disbursement of $198,108, and has so far received 60 percent of its 2025 tax income.
Action was postponed on an amendment to modify a resolution to name the Ray Peterson Nature Center in memory of the late former park director. Park Board President Neil Armstrong said discussion would be taken up when Commissioner John Hemingway is able to attend the board meeting.
Park Director Blake Severs discussed his ideas for creating a new McDonough County Special Recreation Association scholarship application. He suggested financial eligibility be capped at $900 per year, with an 80 percent attendance requirement.
Severs said certified park district staff would screen identification and any financial information submitted. The park director and the district business manager would make any final scholarship decisions.
