AGENDA #3

February 28, 2003

Parks and Recreation Department

Initial Budget Presentation to the Mayor and Town Council

2003-2004

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:

· 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.

· 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.

• Special events such as the 4^th of July Celebration, Festifall, Apple Chill, Fallfest Carnival for youth, Movies on the Plaza, Summer Concert Series, annual Spring Egg Hunt.

The key facilities provided by the Department are:

· 14 parks with picnic and playground equipment

· 2 swimming pools

• 2 community centers
• 3 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 2001-2002 Revenues	2002-2003 Budgeted Revenues	Estimated 2002-2003 Revenues	Estimated Revenues For 2003-2004	% Increase (Decrease) from Original Budget
Orange County Support	83,898	81,000	83,760	83,760	3.4
Program Fees and Charges	399,082	321,900	332,367	348,900	8.3

Key Revenue Issue

• We believe total rental income has stabilized after significant increase in recent years. The addition of the Rashkis Gym and fields at Meadowmont Park to inventory will increase facility rentals. We are accepting fewer vendors to street fairs, this will decrease revenue. Until additional indoor programming space is identified new program opportunities are limited

IV.       Departmental Base Budget Cost Estimates

CATEGORY	2002-2003 Original Budget	2002-2003 Revised Budget	2002-2003 Estimated	2003-2004 Requested	% Increase (Decrease) from Original Budget
Personnel	1,502,858	1,501,447	1,507,485	1,554,739	3.5
Operations	580,275	617,247	593,179	579,452	(0.1)
Capital Equipment	6,600	6,600	6,600	0	(100.00)
TOTAL	2,089,733	2,125,294	2,107,264	2,134,191	2.1

Base Budget - Key Cost Issues

Support, administration, and facilities:

· Maintain overall support levels as currently exists

Programming:

· Maintain most programs at FY 02-03 levels

· Focus on staff consistency and outreach for at-risk youth

· 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

· Reopen A.D. Clark Pool and Hargraves Center after completion of extraordinary maintenance project

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

· Focus on sponsorship and grant opportunities

· Increase drop in use of Northside Gymnasium

· Increase art, cultural, and nature programming, particularly one day workshops

V.        Key Programs or Services that are Going Well

· Management of existing community events

· Management of existing athletics programs

· Management of existing classes and programs

· Management of field rentals

· Operation of facilities

· Grant writing

· Facilities planning and construction

VI.       Key Programs or Services that Could be Improved

· Marketing and information services

· Special populations programs

· Partnerships with other agencies particularly for programming space

VII.      Proposed Additions

4^th of July Celebration:                                                                          $30,000

The base budget does not include funding for a 4^th of July celebration. Typically, expenses for the program at Kenan Stadium are approximately $30,000. Based on previous years, we can anticipate receiving approximately $10,000 in sponsorships. The next expense of the 4th of July event is approximately $20,000.

Increase in Contracted Services to the County for Senior Programming: $2,335

This would increase the funding to Orange County for senior services by 5%. The County has increased the appropriation to the Town for leisure services by approximately 5% for the last several years. The Town has not increased its funding to the County for senior services.

VIII.     Potential Reductions

Shut Community Center one day per week                                                        $34,000

Shut Hargraves Center one day per week (keep Northside Gym open)  $6,600

Eliminate Teen Center After-School Program                                        $12,000