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<br /> 7A <br /> Page 2 <br /> as additional implementation issues. Attachment 3 is a copy of the ordinance passed <br /> by the Board of Supervisors with ballot language. <br /> Summary <br /> The Council heard a presentation on Parks for the Future in December of 2005. At that <br /> time representatives of the Parks Foundation shared their perspective on the benefits of <br /> park and recreation facilities and programs and their impact on community aesthetics, <br /> health and the natural environment and the needs that stimulated the idea for the <br /> proposed measure. They noted that while parks and recreation programs are important to <br /> our communities they have not been funded at an optimal level for many years. Clearly, <br /> as a non-mandated service, it is one of the few areas that can and has been reduced <br /> during budget difficulties. These reductions have resulted in staffing cuts, a deterioration <br /> of overall community aesthetics, longer intervals between litter pick-up and bathroom <br /> cleaning, deferred maintenance, removal or closure of facilities that need repair or do not <br /> meet safety standards and the elimination of recreation programs. <br /> Specifically. San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Division reported an unfunded <br /> deferred maintenance and capital improvement need of over $100 million and has had its <br /> budget reduced by approximately 40% since FY 02/03. Staffing levels have been reduced <br /> from 94.3 FTE in 1990 to 65 FTE in 2005. Meanwhile visits to the County Parks has <br /> increased by 250,000. <br /> In Redwood City, the Department has tried to reduce costs to create the least possible <br /> impact on residents but the cuts have been significant. Since 2002-03 the Department has <br /> eliminated 21 full time equivalent positions (114 - 93) to achieve the request for cuts of first <br /> 7% and then 15% in 03-04 and 04-05. These cuts have impacted our day to day <br /> operation. We have eliminated 80% of the color planting done in the City. building and <br /> custodial maintenance has been reduced at all of our City facilities, staffing levels have <br /> been reduced at recreation buildings, recreation programs specifically the Kids Club <br /> licensed after school care program and summer playground programs were eliminated and <br /> funding support for Human Service providers was reduced. <br /> The City Council, through its Capital Improvement Program (CIP), has been supportive of a <br /> steady renovation program for our existing parks. The State Bond funds passed by the <br /> voters have also assisted in our efforts to renovate existing facilities. However, there has <br /> been no new acquisition since parks were added with the development in Redwood Shores <br /> and major facilities are at an age to require major renovation or replacement. <br /> Alternative <br /> Council could choose not to endorse the ballot measure. <br /> Fiscal Impact <br /> Redwood City would receive approximately $80Q,OOO/year in revenue based on the <br /> proposed allocation method if the measure is approved by voters. The County-wide sales <br /> tax would increase from its current 8.25 to 8.375%. An increase in the sales tax for this <br /> purpose will impact the ability to raise such a tax for other purposes. Support for this <br /> measure would have to be weighed against other possible uses for sales tax dollars. <br /> - <br />