The public may also comment on the proposed MPRB budget at a Truth in Taxation Public Hearing at 5:05 p.m., Tuesday, December 11, at the City of Minneapolis Council Chambers, Room 317 City Hall, Minneapolis. The MPRB 2008 budget will be adopted at 5:05 p.m., Wednesday, December 12 at City of Minneapolis Council Chambers.

“The Mayor reduced our requested property tax amount and we are receiving less Local Government Aid from the State of Minnesota,” explained Superintendent Jon Gurban. “The revenue initiatives outlined in our proposed 2008 budget will allow us to sustain the majority of the services we provide to residents and 18 million park visitors each year.”

The Superintendent’s Recommended 2008 Budget totals $55,305,321 for the MPRB’s general operating fund, a 3.7% increase over last year’s budget. The Mayor’s recommended budget of $319,000 in bonding for capital improvements is the lowest Park Board bonding level in over 40 years.

Strategies for the 2008 Budget planning were developed from public input received during the Comprehensive Plan process and budget work sessions held with Commissioners in October of 2007. The following 10 strategies and initiatives are recommended for 2008:

Diversify and grow revenue to assure a sustainable park system. – Initiatives include increasing new grant funding, encouraging the City of Minneapolis to approve a Park Dedication Fee ordinance, expanding mobile concessions, developing a miniature golf course and batting cages at Northeast Park, launching online merchandise sales, developing a new off-road mountain bike permit at Wirth, and increasing fees for sailboat buoys, canoe racks, picnic shelter rentals, outdoor weddings and off-leash dog park permits.

Size assets, workforce and programs at a sustainable level and focus on quality over quantity. – Initiatives include reducing the number of outdoor ice rink locations from 28 to 22, adjusting recreation center hours based on use and need, and temporarily discontinuing the mounted horse patrol service.

Develop equitable and results-oriented partnerships. – Initiative includes review of current agreements between the Park Board and its partners who use and/or lease Park Board buildings or property.

Review and address underperforming assets on an ongoing basis. – Initiative includes developing options to eliminate the operating deficit associated with the Fort Snelling Golf Course.

Promote the use of volunteers to enhance programming and maintenance capabilities within the system. – Initiative includes increasing corporate and public volunteer opportunities.

Develop equitable fees based on ability to pay and assure that basic services remain accessible. – Initiative includes adjusting athletic field use fees for adult user groups.

Promote sponsorship, innovation and entrepreneurial approaches as a means to sustain and expand programs and facilities. – Initiatives include expanding use of the Sculpture Garden and Cowles Conservatory for weddings and other rentals, pursuing new sponsorship opportunities, creating a new sustainability coordinator position and project fund, and expanding the administrative ticket program to off-leash dog permits, parkway bus permits, photographer permits, off-road bike permits and cross-country ski permits.

Generate income from external groups by appropriately valuing park usage while considering impact to park users. – Initiatives include revising permits for parkway bus use and increasing event fees for use of the park system.

Produce Park Board events as a means to provide maximum financial benefit and require appropriate financial return for events not produced by the Park Board. – Initiatives include developing a new concert series and golf championship, and increasing participation in the Minneapolis Bike Tour.

Provide staff training and professional development to maintain an effective workforce. – Initiatives include staff training in the areas of supervisory skill development and cultural awareness, and review of the Park Board’s workers compensation self-insurance program.