Director unsure of facility future
AIRWAY HEIGHTS-The Airway Heights Parks and Recreation Department is grappling with a significant budgetary challenge after a major reduction was announced during the Nov. 13 City Council meeting.
City Manager Albert Tripp has tasked Director J.C. Kennedy with slashing nearly one million dollars from the department’s initial budget proposal for the upcoming year, sparking concerns about the future of the recreation center.
The bulk of the proposed cuts has targeted staff hours at the recreation center, raising questions about the facility’s ability to remain operational.
Kennedy, while expressing a commitment to maintaining the department’s service level, voiced deep concerns about the potential repercussions of such substantial reductions.
“How do we continue to provide the services that we provide and have the impact on the community that we do,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy emphasized the vital role the recreation center plays in generating revenue, citing a current total revenue of $1,314,102.74, exceeding the annual goal by 103.8%.
The facility has welcomed 146,928 paid members, contributing to covering 54% of its operating expenditures. General fund tax support and grants cover 43% and three percent of operating costs, respectively.
Highlighting the broader impact of parks and recreational facilities, Kennedy stressed their importance in boosting property values in neighborhoods.
A robust parks and recreation department, he argued, supports programs promoting community health and plays a pivotal role in hosting various community events.
It also supports programs for people with Parkinson’s Disease, child care, and youth sports.
Kennedy expressed concern over financial challenges, including the removal of funding through the American Rescue Plan Act.
The department’s thin marketing budget has hindered efforts to attract more clients and memberships.
Moreover, inadequate funding for park maintenance poses a threat, with a contractor’s bid amounting to $280,399 while the budget stands at only $143,866.
An additional $74,932 is required for trail maintenance, and $25,138 is needed for public facilities like park restrooms.
Addressing equipment replacement, Kennedy revealed that $50,000 earmarked for this purpose in the 2019 and 2020 budgets mysteriously vanished.
“Equipment continues to get wear and tear on it and we initially put back $50,000 in 2019/2020,” Kennedy said. “I’m not sure where those funds ended up.”
He also suggested urging tribal entities to impose additional taxes on non-tribal ticket-selling companies, emphasizing the need for adherence to city statutes. This would create more revenue for the city.
Kennedy expressed apprehension about the potential closure of the recreation center if further cuts are necessary. He also said they have been trying to get staffed adequately since COVID, but other problems keep coming up leading to further budget reductions.
“We’re being asked to cut what has already been gutted,” Kennedy said. “I don’t believe there’s a feasible way to do it and keep the doors open.”
Councilman Hank Bynaker took a minute to respond, and reminded Kennedy that he has people in his corner to help him through the situation.
“Just so you’re sure, you’re not on an island over here,” Bynaker told Kennedy. “You got all of us here.”
Kennedy said he realizes that, but he didn’t want to sugar coat anything.
“It’s gonna take all of us to be creative, Kennedy said. “I just didn’t want to sit here tonight and act like these cuts are going to be made and everything will be fine, because it’s not.”
The fate of this essential community hub now hangs in the balance as city officials grapple with tough budgetary decisions.
Matthew graduated from West Virginia University-Parkersburg in 2011 with a journalism degree. He's an award-winning photographer and enjoys writing stories about people.
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