The Board of Commissioners and Park District staff have prepared a proposed budget which meets the financial needs of the Park District for 2009. It has been developed with respect for the economic impact that property taxes has upon all of us.

The completion of the first phase of renovation of the Parkwood Sports Complex permitted the pool to re-open on July 4. With it comes the largest single year impact of the cost of debt for the construction ($816,000 for 2009). This cost was anticipated when the project was proposed, and it comprises approximately two thirds of the necessary budget increase for the coming year.

Increased costs for energy (electricity, heat, vehicle fuel, etc.) have affected the Park District as they have every business and household. Fortunately, we have already undertaken measures to conserve power, including co-generation of electricity at Parkwood. Nevertheless, we still have experienced major cost increases, anticipated to be $100,000 in 2009. In addition, other costs, such as mandated, federal and state employee benefits have continued to rise as well.

The Park District has made much needed improvements to its infrastructure over the past several years. Although improvements need to continue, the commissioners have significantly reduced non-mandated operating expenditures for next year.

Through responsible planning, the Park District has been able to grow a sufficient fund balance to permit funding some "one time" improvements with a portion of those funds rather than with additional taxes. We do this while maintaining cash reserves which meet the standards of good government accounting practices and fiscal responsibility.

The proposed 2009 budget assures that costs will be adequately funded and that the quality of our parks and recreation programs will be preserved. The Great Neck Park District remains fiscally stable. Next year the average increase in the tax bill for the Park District will be approximately $57 in total per household.

The Board of Commissioners will hold its annual budget hearing at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008, at Great Neck House, 14 Arrandale Avenue.