|
|
Feb. 25, 2002
King County Parks budget
Dear King County Employees:
Today I announced that our financial crisis has forced me to immediately cut an additional $1 million from the Parks budget. These mid-year cuts to King County Parks are in addition to the $2.3 million in cuts that were implemented at the start of the year.
This means that 20 County parks that had been closed since January 1 will remain closed throughout the year. These parks had been scheduled to open on March 1 and close again in November as part of a winter closure plan approved during the 2002 budget process. A complete list of the 20 parks that will remain closed is posted online.
The additional mid-year budget reductions will also eliminate the annual Heritage Festival at Marymoor Park, playground and pre-school programs, and further decrease maintenance of parks system-wide. Park user fees are also proposed to be increased by 10 to 20 percent.
As you know, the County operates under an outdated funding structure that depends on property taxes, that are capped, and the volatile sales tax, which is declining during this recession. The projected budget shortfall for 2003 is estimated to be $50 million and at least another $30 million in 2004. Due to these huge deficits, King County is enacting mid-year cuts in 2002 to avoid even more drastic cuts in 2003.
While we know that these parks and programs are valued by the community and add to our quality of life in the area, parks are not mandatory services like the legally mandated criminal justice and public health services.
I am committed to finding a way to establish long term stability for our region’s parks. I have announced the formation of a task force - comprised of leaders from business, user groups and the community - that will be charged with finding new ways to provide long term funding for parks and recreation services in the future. I expect that the group will submit draft recommendations by June 1 to provide time to consider any potential impacts on the 2003 budget.
While these mid year budget reductions are difficult, they are, nonetheless, essential. I thank you again for your support and continuing professionalism through these challenging times. Our goal remains to continue to provide quality services to our residents.
Sincerely,
Ron Sims King County Executive Updated: Feb. 25, 2002
Executive's e-mail King County | Executive | News | Services | Comments | Search Links to external sites do not
constitute endorsements by King County. |
|