Letter: Plainfield Park Board Commissioner Concerned about Budget Cuts

In April of 2009 I had the honor of being elected to serve as a commissioner for the Plainfield Township Park District for a 6 year term.   The first 4 years of my term have been a wonderful experience with multiple opportunities to learn and also meet many new people I would not have otherwise had the chance to meet.  The Plainfield Park District belongs to our residents.  Our organizational chart even lists “public” at the top, followed by “board of commissioners”.  This is everyone’s park district.   

The Plainfield Township Park District has always strived to provide the best possible services, programs and amenities while maintaining financial stability and security.  While the board has played a role in this process a lot of effort and thanks also goes out to our talented and dedicated staff.  They have always been able to come up with creative ways to accomplish our goals within budget.     

The Plainfield Park District’s share of property taxes is approximately 2.6% of an overall property tax bill.  This amounts to every household paying about $150 to $200 annually, from their property taxes, to the park district.  In 2004 our tax rate was $0.2129 per $1,000 of a homes assessed value.  From 2005 through 2008 our tax rate was lower than it was in 2004.  In 2011 our tax rate was $0.2126 per $1,000 of a homes assessed value (still lower than 2004, although not by much.)  For 2012 our tax rate was $0.2433.  For my home this rate reflected an increase of $21.25 to my overall park district portion of my tax bill for a total payment of $188.63 to the park district.

In exchange for our annual tax payment to the park district we all have access to the recreation centers, Ottawa Street Pool, Normantown Trails Equestrian Center, 63 playgrounds, 58 shelters, 33 football/soccer fields, 32 baseball/softball fields, 9 full and 16 half basketball courts, 4 tennis courts, 3 sled hills in the winter, 2 dog parks, 2 skate parks, 2 outdoor ice skating locations in the winter, 2 sand volleyball courts and 1 bike park along with trails and open space to enjoy. Please also keep in mind that our tax rate and the comparative amount of tax dollars spent per resident is already below surrounding park districts including Bolingbrook, Lockport, Oswego, Joliet and Naperville.      

Our annual budget has always been available to anyone that has wanted to view it.  And in keeping with state law, we have always released a Comprehensive Financial Report for every fiscal year.  Every year we have had budget hearings and workshops where everyone was welcome to attend and comment on the new budget.       

The new board majority has stated that they want to cut the park district budget.  I am concerned because their plan to accomplish this is to not fund the contingency fund, while at the same time spending the current contingency fund that has taken many years to save.  The contingency fund is there to meet seasonal shortfalls in revenue, reduce our risk from emergency or unanticipated expenses and allows us to maintain our AA rating from Standard & Poor’s.  Additionally, this fund gives us the opportunity to purchase land or buildings that were not anticipated or available when the budget was prepared.  And also provides for grant matching funds when we are awarded grants that require us to fund a portion of the project the grant was awarded for.   This fund has also been allowed to grow with the long term plan to one day have a recreation center built at Renwick Community Park.      

The potential minor amount of savings this move will have on tax bills is not worth the risk it will be to the overall financial wellbeing of the park district.  I think that most residents would not like the park district to have to pass up grant opportunities for facility improvements or recreational developments, or see amenities closed due to lack of funds to make emergency repairs, worth the few dollars they will potentially save on their annual real estate tax bill.  The Government Finance Offices Association of the United States and Canada recommends that the minimum amount set aside for a contingency fund is no less than 16.7% of operating expenses.  The average amount surrounding park districts set aside in their contingency funds is 25%.  The most conservative experts recommend saving 33% to 50% of operating expenses in a contingency fund. 

The Plainfield Park District has always strived to provide a comprehensive park system that includes recreational opportunities, diversified programs and activities that provide personal enjoyment, contribute to a sense of self-fulfillment and enhance the quality of life of our residents.  I look forward to continuing my service as a commissioner into the future and welcome questions and comments about any aspect of the park district.  The best way to reach me is by email at ludemann@plainfieldparkdistrict.com.    

Respectfully,

Mary Kay Ludemann, Commissioner

Plainfield Township Park District