RESOLUTION NO. 794
WHEREAS, the City has had a robust and valued recreation program since incorporation, serving seniors, adults and children; and
WHEREAS, due to a dramatic deterioration in economic conditions generally, and in City financial resources specifically, the City’s 2010 budget substantially reduced Recreation staffing and programs, with significant reliance on one-time funding and donations for ongoing recreation services; and
WHEREAS, the City’s biennial budgets since 2010 have continued to rely on one-time and unanticipated revenues to cover annual deficits between revenues and expenditures, including deficits within the Recreation program; and
WHEREAS, after an extensive, multi-year evaluation of alternatives, the City Council believes that current Recreation service levels are not sustainable; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to provide the City Manager with direction with respect to the preparation of the City’s 2017-2018 biennial budget; and
WHEREAS, the City Council is aware of an effort by residents to gather signatures to place on the ballot an initiative that would create a University Place Metropolitan Parks District for the provision of recreation services to University Place residents; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to provide residents of the City with a clear understanding as to next steps with regard to the City’s Recreation program so that they can make decisions with regard to recreation services for themselves and their families.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UNIVERSITY PLACE, WASHINGTON, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recreation Services. The City Council intends to eliminate funding for the provision of all City recreation services beginning in 2017.
Section 2. Parks Maintenance. The City Council intends to fully maintain existing service levels with respect to maintenance of the City’s park properties and facilities.
Section 3. Direction to the City Manager. The City Council hereby directs the City Manager to prepare a 2017-2018 biennial budget that includes full funding for parks maintenance, but eliminates funding for Recreation programs.
Section 4. Cooperation with a University Place Metropolitan Park District. The City Council intends to work cooperatively on the transition of recreation services to a Metropolitan Park District in the event such a district is established by voters.
Section 3. Effective Date. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 19, 2015.
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Denise McCluskey, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Emelita Genetia, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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Steve Victor, City Attorney