The Prince George, Parks department operational funding budget has been under funded   in the past.  Last year, it ran a deficit of $260,000.  The deficit was covered by budget excesses in the Development services department because of increased development. 

Those extra dollars won’t be available this year as Development Services is looking to increase its budget to allow for the hiring of two more people to handle the increased demand brought about by increased activity.

Late last year Councilor Shirley Gratton brought forth a notice of motion calling for an increase in the funding for the Parks Department, That  motion was supported this evening in a public presentation by Anne Martin on behalf of the Communities in Bloom  Committee which will  move in to the international competition this year. 

The request  before Council would see the Parks department’s budget boosted by $260 thousand .

The prepared document calls for a budget of $2.615 million, which is slightly higher than the $2.6 million budgeted last year, but the actual expenditures were $2.8 million.

Kelowna and Kamloops both spend a great deal more on parks and both have similar   hectares of developed parkland.

In 2007 the Parks department spent nearly $300 thousand dollars on litter control ($219,817) and vandalism repairs ($57,625).  “Both those amounts are not necessary” says Councilor Brian Skakun “People have to stop dropping their garbage and we could save about ½% on the tax levy.”

Department Manager Tom Kadla says vandalism continues to be a problem, “Last year we had to replace 45 trees in the downtown core, we are looking for solutions, but it is difficult and costly.”

The Parks Department has submitted a budget enhancement for Boulevard improvements ($350,000) and trail maintenance ($34,000).  Both items have been deferred to later discussion.