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More cuts being implemented at Foothills

Foothills Park & Recreation District's Board Meeting held on Tuesday, July 8 focused on continued discussions of budget issues and proposed service level reductions. Foothills executive director, Ronald Hopp, outlined some of Foothills financial struggles and indicated, "It isn't just the failed mill levy that has created our budget issues, but a culmination of variables such as management practices of the past, the current economic environment and increased operational costs. Changes need to be made in how we operate and what we do."

A five page service level reductions and efficiencies memo that included historical reductions and efficiencies implemented over the past several years were discussed. Hopp advised, "Some efficiencies have been developed but they do not go deep enough. We, as the Foothills District, have a responsibility to the community - given the fact that the mill levy did not pass - to continue to develop more efficiencies." An ongoing analysis of the more major items such as closures, reduction of hours, and fee increases are being considered and will be unveiled at a future date as part of the 2009 budget process.

With the hope of having a positive effect on the rest of the 2008 budget and the 2009 budget, Mr. Hopp provided the following list of service level reductions and cuts to be implemented immediately; increase pro shop hours with full time staff (including Director of Golf), increase in fall rates for all high school golf teams, additional golf classes in late summer and fall, open the Meadows back nine on Thursday mornings, hit off mats at the Meadows driving range only one day per week instead of two, freeze six full time positions (Park Maintenance I, two Park Maintenance II, Parks Supervisor of Operations, Supervisor of Facility Maintenance, Manager of Marketing and Community Outreach), pull trash cans from greenbelts and outlying areas, consider adopt a park programs and volunteers, reduce parks seasonal employee hours to 35 per week and release them September 1 (except Clement Park), reduce mowing of bluegrass areas to two times per month, turn off some watered areas in bluegrass greenbelts (Westbury, Dakota Station, Columbine Hills, Lilley Pad), no snow removal on trails and sidewalks in November and December, snow removal at facilities only, continue to process checks once every two weeks, reduce training, eliminating car allowances, reduce professional services expenses in Information Technology and assess purchasing procedures.

Foothills Park & Recreation District board meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month beginning at 7 p.m. at the Peak Community & Wellness Center (6612 S. Ward St.). For board meeting information, visit www.ifoothills.org.



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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Kate Dragoo, Foothills Park & Recreation District has posted 998 stories and 0 comments since joining on 4/23/2007. Kate Dragoo, Foothills Park & Recreation District's average story rating is 4.62.
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