Title
Approval of a Resolution to Engage the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and the Community in Park Funding Discussions in the Event of Significant Loss of General Fund Revenues
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution to engage the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) and the community in park funding discussions in the event of significant loss of general fund revenues.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution to engage PRAC and the community in park funding discussions in the event of significant loss of general fund revenues.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, City Manager, 360.753.8740
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Olympia community members have voted two times to increase funding for the Olympia Parks Arts and Recreating Department in order to support the acquisition, development, and maintenance of the City’s parks.
The City of Olympia has adopted comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plans and Capital Improvement Programs that direct municipal investments in the acquisition, development, and maintenance of new and existing park lands and facilities.
Funding from the general fund is dependent upon the state of the economy and collection of tax revenues. The City Council is committed to working with the PRAC and Community to find solutions to any future significant loss of funding that adversely affects OPARD.
The Resolution outlines the process for identifying solutions to alleviate or lessen future economic impacts to OPARD funding from any significant loss of general revenues; to include working with PRAC or a subcommittee of PRAC, as well as convening a community process.
Climate Analysis:
The maintaining and acquisition of parks in the community contributes to the preservation and management of forests and other ecosystems to sequester carbon. The preservation of, and management of urban tree canopy to provides shade and mitigated urban heat island effects.
Equity Analysis:
OPARD is committed to improving equity, inclusion and belonging throughout the culture of the organization and the services provided to the community; to include maintaining the facilities, programs, and services so that they are open and accessible to all. OPARD has established a formal Equity and Belonging program to ensure equity, inclusion, and belonging throughout their programming.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Olympia voters have voted twice to increase funding for OPARD in order to support the acquisition, development, and maintenance of Olympia parks.
Financial Impact:
There is no direct financial impact related to the passing of the Resolution. The Resolution commits the Council to working with PRAC and the community should there be a significant loss of general fund revenue that could impact Parks funding.
Options:
1. Approve the resolution.
2. Do not approve the resolution.
3. Amend the Resolution and approve as amended.
Attachments:
Resolution