Programs Not Significantly Affected by Leaner Park District Budget

Park Board commissioners want you to know that even though they decreased the amount of taxes requested from taxpayers, the Downers Grove Park District's proposed 2011-2012 budget is balanced—and includes some major improvements at a few park sites.

The $20.2 million budget looks for more revenue from some programs, cuts spending in others, and tightens expenses across the board. Of the $4.9 million the district expects to spend on capital projects, $3.66 million will go for improvements to McCollum Park and about $115,000 will be spent on replacing the pavilion floor and playground equipment at Gilbert Park.

In December, the Park Board a $6.39 million tax levy to keep resident tax bills flat. Thursday, President Bob Gelwicks asked staff if the reduced levy affected fund balances in any way. Administrator Dan Cermak replied there would have been more money to spend if the district had approved a higher levy, but that park programs were not significantly affected.

“It seems like they tax levy reduction has been assimilated into the budget with little or no impact,” Gelwicks said.

Programs that did get cut include the two-year-old Maple Hill Pool pass program and one traveling exhibit at the Downers Grove Museum, along with reductions in lawn care, forestry services and purchasing changes. More revenue is projected to come from new sports leagues and summer camps and fee increases in some programs.

Commissioner Fred Gusel cautioned the budget does not leave a lot of room for unforseen circumstances. “Staff has done a great job, but we are leaving ourselves less wiggle room,” he said.

The budget will be on public display before an expected June 16 approval.