Bette McKeown, Capital Improvements Coordinator for Park and Planning came seeking direction. “We have requests for over $16 million of Capital projects,” she said.
She and Mike Riley of Park and Planning appeared before the Park and Planning Commission to ask what kinds of projects the commissioners would like to have included in the county’s FY05-10 Capital Improvements Program (CIP).
Capital Improvements are typically construction or major renovations to facilities. Most small maintenance falls under the operating budget but larger projects, such as a new roof, or new playground equipment, is considered a Capital Project.
McKeown stated that approximately 57 percent of capital dollars go to renovations. While these projects are not as flashy or interesting as building new facilities, they are necessary.
“Sometimes, it is easier to say we’ll focus on high visibility projects … and then suddenly you’re in big trouble,” said Commissioner John Robinson..
The commission hinted that it might prefer there to be more construction of new facilities in the typically underserved upcounty areas. It may be more important to provide service to those residents than to improve the services which residents of the older, downcounty areas.
“We know that there are areas of the county that are underserved,” said Commission Chair Derick Berlage.
Commissioners also stated that they would like to see trails go forward. “We want to have as much follow-through as we can with trails,” said Commissioner Meredith Wellington.
Commissioners identified the value in follow through in general, and asked staff to keep high-profile projects moving.
“It will be very helpful for Park and Planning credibility,” Berlage said.
Another consideration the commission wanted to be made clear, was the “operating budget impact.” Any money given to new Capital projects is money that can not be spent on operating costs, such as staff, programs and routine maintenance.
While this has typically been included in previous CIPs, the commission stated that it would like it to be made more clear how there is an impact and the size of the impact.
“I think we need to be more assertive about that,” Berlage said. “Highlight the connection between capital and operating budgets.
The staff draft of the CIP will be presented to the Planning Commission in the early fall. It will be forwarded to the County Council by Nov. 1.
In the meantime, the parks department is still interested in feedback and ideas from residents.