Public Comment Opportunities for Proposed 2012 Minneapolis Park Board Budget

From an October 19 MPRB e-newsletter:

The Superintendent’s Recommended 2012 Budget for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) focuses on neighborhood parks, financial sustainability and enhancing service delivery to the community.

“The Park Board is living within its means with a zero percent property tax levy increase and a proposed operating budget slightly below the 2011 Approved Budget,” explained Superintendent Jayne Miller. “In 2012 the Park Board will focus on reducing operating costs and creating new revenue by maximizing technology, identifying work process improvements, increasing workforce flexibility and investing in neighborhood parks.”

The Superintendent’s Recommended 2012 Budget totals $58,687,896 for the general operating fund, a 0.6 percent reduction from the 2011 approved budget.

According to Miller, the 2012 Recommended Budget reflects the Park Board’s commitment to service delivery and does not include service reductions or staff layoffs.

“We are committed to improving our work processes and maximizing technology to enhance service delivery,” Miller explained. “In 2012 we are expanding our communication and community outreach to improve transparency, information sharing and service delivery. We are assessing youth and adult program services, user satisfaction and fee structures to reduce barriers and improve services. We are also assessing needs and opportunities for volunteerism to increase recruitment and retention of volunteers.”

The proposed budget is available at www.minneapolisparks.org (select left link “About MPRB” then “Park Board Budget”) or by calling 612-230-6400. The public may comment on the proposed budget during the following times:

- Nov. 9, Public Comment Session – Administration and Finance Committee meeting, MPRB Headquarters, 2117 West River Road, Minneapolis. The Committee meeting will follow the Board’s regular meeting at 5 pm
- Nov. 22, Public Comment Session – Regular Board meeting, MPRB Headquarters, 2117 West River Road, Minneapolis, at 5 pm
- Dec. 14, Public Hearing – City of Minneapolis public hearing on City levy and 2012 Budget, City Hall, Council Chambers Room 317, 350 South 5th Street, Minneapolis, at 6 pm

“The budget is built on sound financial management and strategic long-range planning,” said Miller. “The Recommended 2012 Budget strategically positions the organization, from a service and financial perspective, to prepare for projected funding gaps in 2013 through 2016.”
According to the Park Board’s five year projections included in the 2012 Budget, Local Government Aid is estimated to be reduced from $7.6 million in 2012 to $5.6 million in 2013 through 2016. The Park Board believes this is a conservative estimate based on a projected $2 billion state budget deficit for the next biennium.

The Superintendent’s recommended budget outlines initiatives aimed at meeting the Board’s strategic goals and budget frameworks, including:
• Focus resources on maintaining the park system, addressing issues of aging infrastructure and repairing parkway paving and lighting
• Make our city greener, cleaner and energy efficient through recreation center energy improvements and green events
• Focus on City and school partnerships and identifying strategies to improve delivery and coordination of recreation center programs and services
• Increase revenue with enhanced grant writing, improved operating efficiencies and expanded revenue growth with nontraditional sources
• Assure that basic services and programs remain accessible, and enhance community based programming  
• Shape city character through implementation strategies for upper riverfront development to spur economic development