[MPLS] MPRB Committee of the Whole Budget Meeting 10-26-05 part 2

[Svattheriver at aol.com]

Rick Kuhlmann asked:
1. What is LGA? 

2. What is the JUMP IN  program? I tried a search on the Park Board website
and got  nothing.


LGA is Local Government Aid is money from the legislature-  that has in the 
past really helped the city, parks, and libraries. It really  relates to 
prioritizing what is important and why on a state level. Local  Government Aid is 
19% of the Park Budget but 33% of the Library budget. LGA cuts  have had a 
greater impact to our Library system because of the funding "pie  chart" of 
revenue. So since 2003 there has been a decrease of $ 3 million  dollars in Library 
revenue.

Some LGA funding has been restored, but the  long-term future of our Park and 
Libraries has a lot to do with what happens at  the capitol.

"Jump In" was a newspaper that was mailed out to park users-  listing park 
programs. It was cut from last year's park budget to save  $40,000.

I think this again relates to a budget process that never asks  why do we do 
what we do? and how do we most effectively accomplish our goals or  is what we 
do effective? Do we have programs for those who have the  greatest and how 
are they informed?

A decision was made that excluded  those who do not seek out Park programing 
online or have time to go to the  community centers for information.

Thanks,
Scott Vreeland