BY MARK SCHUMANN

Vero Beach Recreation Department Director Rob Slezak reported to the Recreation Commission yesterday on his preparations for proposed budget cuts of up to 14.9 percent.  The cuts, he said, will lead to layoffs and reductions in services and programs. 

City Manager Jim O’Connor has asked all department heads to prepare to trim spending from 10.9 percent to 14.9 percent as of October 1, in anticipation of the sale of the city’s electric system.

Cutting Recreation Department spending by 10.9 percent would have Slezak looking for $165,000 in savings, he told the Commission.  Reducing spending by 14.9 percent would require reducing payroll and program expenses by $226,000.

Slezak outlined cuts including laying off the director of the Riverside Racquet Complex, as well as several lifeguards.  He also proposed reducing the hours of lifeguard coverage at Humiston and Jaycee Beaches, as well as cutting back the hours of operation at the Leisure Square pool.

Special events such as the Spring Fling, Dancing Under the Stars and the Mother Daughter Tea Party would also be eliminated, unless additional sponsors can be found.

Currently, the city is contributing $24,660 a year to the cost of lighting two Little League fields.  Slezak said that even at the first level of budget cuts, that subsidy would have to be eliminated.

Closing the Riverhouse and the Bethel Creek House would bring further savings, Slezak said.

Rather than act on Slezak’s recommendations, the Recreation Commission decided to take up the department’s budget challenges again at its next meeting scheduled for June 11 a 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers.