Tonight: Participate in the Metro Parks Budget Process

Metro Parks Tacoma is looking for public involvement in their budget process.

Like other public agencies, Metro Parks Tacoma faces some difficult decisions as we prepare the District’s budget for 2013-14.

While proactive fiscal management and voter support for a levy lid-lift two years ago have helped the district maintain a healthy mix of services and programs, there are offsetting factors outside of the district’s control which directly impact budget capacity.

1. Declining property tax assessments translate to a direct reduction in operating revenues that support the district’s core programs and services.
2. Increased cost of insurance coverage for protection of our park system assets and for healthcare coverages influence overall capacity.
3. Unknowns as to the level of investment that will continue to be made in park and recreation programs and services, which have historically received support under contract or through grants from the City of Tacoma.

Starting tonight, and continuing over the next couple months, Metro Parks will be providing opportunities for the public to learn more and contribute to the conversation around setting the 2013 – 2014 budget priorities.

Tonight’s open house is an opportunity to learn about Metro Parks’ programs and services, and budget development process prior to the Executive Director’s presentation of his recommended budget to the Board of Commissioners in October. On October 29 the ED’s recommended budget will be presented to the Park Commissioners, and the public will have the opportunity to comment at that night’s public hearing. You’ll be able to take a look at the budget online beginning the following week, and there will be a second public hearing on November 26.

Opportunities to participate in the budget process:

Open House
Thursday, September 27, 6:00 p.m.
Metro Parks Headquarters, Board Room

Presentation of Executive Director’s Recommended Budget to the Board of Park Commissioners and Public Hearing #1
Monday, October 29, 6:00 p.m.
Metro Parks Headquarters, Board Room

Public Hearing #2
Monday, November 26, 6:00 p.m.
Metro Parks Headquarters, Board Room

Optional opportunities for input:
If you are unable to attend either of the Public Hearings, and would like to provide input to the Board prior to adoption of the budget, comments may be sent via email. General inquiries or comments regarding the budget or any Metro Parks programs or services can be directed to: info@tacomaparks.com.