No Program Cuts In Park Board’S Budget

Fri., Oct. 13, 2000

From Staff Reports

On Thursday, the Spokane Park Board approved a recommendation for a $12.1 million budget for 2001 that maintains existing services, despite sharp increases in expenses.

Park board members agreed to reduce the amount of money spent on buildings and facilities from $600,000 to $300,000 to avoid program cuts.

Board member Dennis Hession said the passage of a $15 million bond issue by voters last year for park improvements allowed the department to shift some of its annual capital spending to ongoing park programs.

The department faces a $121,000 increase next year in minimum wages for seasonal park workers, including lifeguards, Riverfront Park workers and maintenance staff. Parks also must pay an extra $125,000 for improvements to the city’s storm water sewer system.

Parks managers said pressure to cut park programs will return when they write the 2002 budget. Park funding will be reduced in 2002 because of the loss of revenue from the state motor vehicle excise tax.

The City Council is scheduled to consider the park budget on Nov. 20.

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