Park commissioners expect to pass budget with few cuts

Published 3:22 pm Friday, December 2, 2011

Vashon Park District’s board of commissioners is poised to pass a 2012 budget that includes some small cuts but maintains all programs and park maintenance despite a reduction in revenue.

The $1.3 million spending plan also provides funds to subsidize the Vashon Pool and maintain two new sports fields that will be open next year by The Harbor School.

Islanders can comment on the proposed budget at a public hearing at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13.

Due to falling property values, the district expects to get about three percent less in levy funds than it did last year. Though last year park district commissioners helped fill a 10 percent budget hole by raising fees for sports teams and other groups, park district director Jan Milligan said this year they have decided to make small cuts instead of raising fees.

“We’re tightening our belt a little,” Milligan said. “Even though they tightened it pretty tight last year.”

No park district staff will receive raises next year, and new supplies won’t be purchased unless critically needed, she said.

Milligan said she was pleased they were able to balance the budget without cutting programs.

“The district is committed to offering the programs currently on our slate. … I don’t expect the public will see a difference at all,” she said.

The board plans to pass the budget at its Jan. 20 meeting.

The park district’s draft budget can be viewed on Wednesday at www.vashonparkdistrict.org. The public can comment on the budget through Jan. 2 by emailing Milligan at jmilligan@vashonparkdistrict.org or calling 463-9602.