HOBART | The Park Board may opt to name an interim director to head its department for the time being, Mayor Brian Snedecor said Wednesday.

Snedecor said he met Tuesday night with the Park Board in an executive session to discuss naming a new superintendent to replace Finis "Skip" Hanson.

Hanson earlier this month shocked the Park Board by turning in his resignation, effective last week.

"Skip is officially gone from the position," Snedecor said.

He said the Park Board at its March 10 meeting will make a formal announcement in regard to whether or not it will name an interim director or hire a full-time superintendent.

"There tends to be a strong sentiment toward an interim director until we get through this current financial crisis," Snedecor said.

He said he doesn't know who that interim director might be.

Snedecor, who appointed Hanson, has pledged to work with the Park Board in finding a replacement.

"It's important they have direction. I'm allowing them significant input," he said.

Hanson, at the time of his resignation, painted a grim picture of the department's finances. The parks would take the biggest hit in the city -- a 42 percent budget cut -- if a property tax levy freeze took effect due to the lack of a county income tax.

He also reviewed last year's department expenditures and noted category after category where the current budget was far below those figures. Gasoline, for example, was budgeted $10,000 less than what was spent in 2007. While $8,400 was spent on materials and supplies last year, just $1,000 was budgeted for 2008.

The Park Board has discussed a number of ways to address tight finances, including implementing an adopt-a-park program.