Title
Ordinance No. 16-101 amending Ordinance No. 15-86 (2016 Appropriation Ordinance) for a Supplemental Appropriation to the Conservation Trust Fund in the Amount of $100,000 for the Purpose of Supplementing the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services 2016 Water Budget
Presenter:
Karen Palus, Director - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Kurt Schroeder, Park Operations and Development Manager - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Body
Summary:
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is requesting a supplemental appropriation of $300,000 to meet the anticipated water expense for the remainder of 2016.
Previous Council Action:
During the creation of the 2016 budget City Council approved $2,896,465 in the General Fund for water for parks maintenance. At that time it was stated that should additional funding be needed to cover expenditures above and beyond that amount Council would consider the appropriation of additional funds to meet anticipated water expenses for the remainder of 2016.
Background:
A 2016 parks maintenance General Fund budget of $2,896,485 was approved by City Council for water for irrigation, daily water use fees, domestic purposes, and for filling Prospect and Quail Lakes. Park staff projected that water costs would exceed that amount and was instructed by City Council to request a supplemental appropriation to cover any shortfalls should costs exceed the budgeted amount. This direction was predicated on the possibility that weather conditions and precipitation amounts might be such that additional dollars may or may not be needed. The expenditure of dollars for irrigation supports the City’s strategic goal relating to the investment in the City infrastructure in that appropriate levels of irrigation protect the multi-million dollar investment the City has made in its park turf, landscaping and trees. It is also critical in helping to achieve the Mayor’s goal of creating a City that matches the beauty of its natural scenery. Properly maintaining our park system and the resources within it moves us toward that goal and the proper and thoughtful use of our water resources are critical in that endeavor.
Colorado Springs Utilities indicated their ability to provide up to $1,000,000 in support of park system irrigation should that need become a reality. Considering year-to-date expenditures of $1,719,056 for water and projected expenditures based upon a three-year average with expenditures adjusted to compensate for the water conservation rate, it is estimated that an additional $300,000 will be required for the remainder of 2016 to meet park maintenance water expenses.
Financial Implications:
The supplemental appropriation increases the 2016 General Fund revenue budget and the Parks expenditure budget by $300,000.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was briefed on the situation at their August 11th meeting although no recommendation was requested.
Review of this request by Colorado Springs Utilities Board occurred on September 21, 2016 and by City Council on September 26, 2016.
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
Alternatives:
Irrigation activities may be ended prematurely based upon budget availability. This would compromise the health and vitality of the park systems turf, landscaping and trees.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move approval of the Ordinance for a Supplemental Appropriation to the General Fund in the amount of $300,000 for the purpose of supplementing the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services 2016 water budget.
Summary of Ordinance Language
An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 15-86 (2016 Appropriation Ordinance) for a supplemental appropriation to the General Fund in the amount of $300,000 for the purpose of supplementing the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services 2016 water budget.