Council questions Ketchum funding request after data discrepancy on youth participants

Jen Smith, Ketchum Director of Parks and Recreation, presented a funding request of $61,719 for services provided to Sun Valley residents, saying it represents 10 percent of the department's budget based on participation data that show 10 percent of youth participants are from Sun Valley and that 221 Sun Valley youth participated in programs.

Council Member Jane Conard challenged the sufficiency of the data and said she calculated the request as roughly $450 per Sun Valley child, calling that figure excessive and requesting a detailed list of services supporting the request. John Kearney, Ketchum Recreation Supervisor, said 20 families are enrolled in the after-school program; the council did not approve the request at the meeting pending further documentation.