MetroParks Tacoma Budget Open House Tonight

Thursday, September 27
6pm
Metro Parks Headquarters, Board Room
4702 S. 19th St.

This is an opportunity to learn about Metro Parks Tacoma's program and services budget development process, prior to the Executive Director's presentation of his recommended budget to the Board of Commissioners in October.

Open House attendees will learn how the District's Strategic Plan and ongoing community engagement process help guide decisions about funding. Our ongoing outreach processes, community and user surveys, Neighborhood Councils, and Board Appointed Citizen Advisory Councils are all avenues for citizens to help shape the Metro Parks' system of park and recreation services which you'll learn more about during the Budget Open House.

While proactive fiscal management and voter support for a levy lid-lift two years ago have helped the district maintain a healthy mix of services and programs, there are offsetting factors outside of the district's control which directly impact budget capacity.

1. Declining property tax assessments translate to a direct reduction in operating revenues that support the district's core programs and services.  
2. Increased cost of insurance coverage for protection of our park system assets and for healthcare coverages influence overall capacity.  
3. Unknowns as to the level of investment that will continue to be made in park and recreation programs and services, which have historically received support under contract or through grants from the City of Tacoma.

October 29th @ 6PM  is your chance to participate in the process. They will be holding a Public Meeting at the Metro Parks Headquarters board room for citizens to provide formal comment to the Metro Parks board regarding the recommended budget. This is the first of two Public Hearings. The second is scheduled for November 26th same time same place.

Optional opportunities for input:
If you are unable to attend either of the Public Hearings, and would like to provide input to the Board prior to adoption of the budget, comments may be sent via email.

Get contact information for the Board of Park Commissioners

General inquiries or comments regarding the budget or any Metro Parks programs or services can be directed to: info@tacomaparks.com.