AgdaPkt 2004-06-07 - Laserfiche WebLink

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,�2 PROPOSAL TO CREATE A COUNTYWIDE SPECIAL PARi� DISTRICT COMNIITTEE March 2004 What is a Countywide Special Park District? A countywide special park district is a mechanism to provide additional support to the county and city pazk systems. This type of district would have the ability to develop a variety of funding mechanisms for operations, maintenance and additions to our local parics and recreation systems. The special pazk district would also provide a mechanism to support collaboration on projects and programs in our parks. In addition to supplemental funding these collaborations might include: • Provide coordinated information to county residents about what facilities/amenities are available and where • Ability to qualify for grants for which individual agencies might not be eligible • Coordination on regional trail implementation and improvements � • Better natural resource management • Ability to bundle certain purchasing or capital projects for better prices • Ability to share specialty equipment • Coordination and management of wildlife corridors and watersheds There aze 2 steps required to form such a district: enabling legislation and a ballot measure seeking voter approval to form the district. At.the request of park supporters, San Mateo County is sponsoring the enabling legislation that would give San Mateo County voters the opportunity to form a district to provide additional support to our parks. While the legislative proposal has not yet been introduced in bill form, the specifics of the bill aze being developed in conversation with the cities and county pazk stakeholders. If the state legislation is approved, local elected officials and pazk stakeholders would develop the exact language for the ballot measure that would be submitted to the voters. That proposal would include who would govern the new district and could include how the funding would be shazed. That proposal will be developed by a broad-based participatory process that includes the cities, County representatives and pazk stakeholders T'his proposal is meant to support and enhance the work of local agencies. Existing city and district structure, powers, authority, and responsibilities will remain unchanged. The need Citizens have been working since 1992 to find a dedicated source of funds for the County Parks: � The County Parks budget has been reduced by 32% over the past two yeazs • County Parks has an unfunded $78 million capital projects list • County Pazks has annuai operations and maintenance needs of $11 million. The department is currently funded at $7 million. City pazks and recreation departments are facing similaz funding challenges. March 2, 2004