Funding for parks prompts budget debate

By LORI WINCE Monday November 17, 2014 9:03 AM

Pataskala City Council on Nov. 10 began an in-depth review of the 2015 budget.

Finance Director James Nicholson said the city is expected to collect $16.5 million in total revenue for 2015, which is lower than in 2014 because the city is expected to receive fewer loans and grants.

According to Nicholson's budget draft, the 7-percent decrease over the 2014 revenue is due to "the one-time receipt of $2.81 million in intergovernmental grants and loans that are not included in 2015."

City Councilman Mike Fox raised the most objections to the proposed figures. He said the city needs to put more money into streets and the police fund than into parks improvements.

"First and foremost, I believe our highest priority is police and roads," Fox said via email after the meeting. "Although I believe parks are important, I do not believe they are more important than police and roads.

"In the next five years, the city is projected to spend ($500,000) on the parks. We are borrowing funds to complete road projects. We are putting infrastructure improvements that are safety issues on hold. I do not believe a walking path is more important than a road."

During the meeting, Fox said: "We can't keep taking (money) away from the high-priority things in the city."

Nicholson's proposed 2015 budget includes $160,000 for improvements to parks.

The money would pay for revitalizing the Conway Trail in Thomas J. Evans Foundation Park, estimated to cost up to $74,000; link the current septic system in Foundation Park to the city's sewer system, estimated at $40,000; and install an asphalt trail and gardens with access in Karr Park, estimated to cost $12,710.

Originally posted here:
Funding for parks prompts budget debate