AGENDA #4

 

February 27, 2004

Parks and Recreation Department

Initial Budget Presentation to the Mayor and Town Council

2004-2005

 

  I.            Mission Statement

 

The Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Department will enhance the quality of life of all citizens and foster a sense of community by providing superior recreation, cultural, and educational services and through the effective maintenance and protection of the Town’s natural resources.

 

II.            Brief Services Description

 

The key services provided by the Department are:

 

·        Cultural and hobby class programs such as pottery, kayaking, karate, aqua-aerobics, teen club, scuba diving, holiday arts, summer camps, rock climbing, dance, cheerleading, nature activities, outdoor/adventure for teens, family activities, fun days, and music events.

 

 

·        Youth and adult sports activities through league play, clinics, and drop-in free play. Sports activities include basketball, baseball, flag football, lacrosse, softball, volleyball, tennis, swimming, and bocce ball.

 

The key facilities provided by the Department are:

 

·        14 parks with picnic and playground equipment

·        2 swimming pools

·        2 community centers

·        1 pottery studio

·        1 climbing wall

·        4 gymnasiums

·        Outdoor gardens, athletic fields, tennis courts, volleyball courts, bocce ball courts, and basketball courts

·        Skateboard park/batting cage facility

·        Dog park

·        Extensive trail network and numerous open space areas

 

 

III.            Departmental Revenue Estimates

 

 

REVENUE SOURCE

 

Actual

2002-2003

Revenues

2003-2004

Budgeted

Revenues

Estimated

2003-2004

Revenues

Proposed

Revenues

For 2004-2005

Orange County Support

$83,898

$81,000

$83,898

$83,898

Program Fees/Charges

$358,850

$348,900

$330,475

$322,450

 

 

 

 

 

   TOTAL

$442,748

$429,900

$414,373

$406,348

 

Key Revenue Issues

 

·        We believe total rental income has stabilized after significant annual increases from FY98-99 through FY01-02.

·        The field at Scroggs will not be available for use this spring.  The addition of the fields at Meadowmont Park to inventory will increase facility rentals.  As more fields come online, we need to begin to rest fields for entire seasons to ensure proper maintenance of the turf.

·        We are accepting fewer vendors to the Apple Chill Street Fair due to the realigned layout with vendors down the middle of the street.  This will decrease revenue.

·        Until additional indoor programming space is identified new program opportunities are limited.

 

IV.            Departmental Base Budget Cost Estimates

 

 

CATEGORY

 

2003-2004 Original Budget

 

Requested 2004-2005 Budget

Personnel

$1,595,683

$1,615,873

Operations

$602,278

$677,565

Capital Equipment

0

0

   TOTAL

$2,197,961

$2,293,438

 

 

Key Budget Issues

 

Support, administration, and facilities:

 

·        Maintain overall support levels as currently exist

 

Programming:

 

·        Program Town’s Employee Appreciation Event

·        Expand inclusion of west end activities into the Apple Chill Street Fair Maintain most programs at FY 02-03 levels

·        Focus on outreach for at-risk youth for existing programs at the Community and Hargraves Centers and the Street Scene after school program

·        Continue expansion of programming for citizens with disabilities to offer spectrum of choice, from mainstreaming/inclusion to stand alone programs for individuals with special needs

·        Begin operation of fields at Meadowmont Park for department programming and lease of facilities to user groups

·        Focus on sponsorship and grant opportunities

·        Increase patron informal, drop in use of Northside Gymnasium

·        Continue outreach for partnership opportunities in providing art, cultural, and nature programming, particularly one day workshops

 

V.            Programs Going Well

 

·        Management of existing community events

·        Management of existing athletics programs

·        Management of existing classes and programs

·        Operation of facilities

·        Grant writing

·        Facilities planning and construction

 

VI.            Programs That Could Be Improved

 

·        Maintaining quality of athletic fields suitable for soccer by eliminating drop-in use during seasons of turf dormancy and resting fields when possible to allow turf to recover

·        Marketing and information services

·        Special populations programs

·        Partnerships with other agencies particularly for programming space

 

VII.            Proposed Additions or Reductions

 

Requested budget includes

·        Above 2.1% increase: $8,000, Funding for the Town’s Employee Appreciation Event Funding transferred from Human Resources

·        Above 2.1% increase: $10,000, Funding for basic expansion of Apple Chill Street Fair to include fare-free shuttle service ($5,000) and west end activities ($5,000 for staffing and programming) as part of the fair

·        Above 2.1% increase: $20,000, Funding for annual maintenance of Bermuda turf athletic fields

·        Above 2.1% increase: $3,500, Funding for Dixie Rock climbing competition; corresponding $3,500 included in revenue projections

·        $20,000, Reallocated funding for basic Apple Chill Street Fair.  This funding has historically been taken from other department accounts after the fact.  We propose creating separate accounts.  We will continue to seek sponsorships.

·        $12,373, Reallocated funding for a permanent, part-time Recreation Assistant at the Community Center.  All funding for position would be transferred from existing temporary salary account.

 

Proposed Addition:

·        $14,399, Funding to upgrade Special Olympics Recreation Specialist from 25 hours per week to fulltime status.