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October 28, 2003 <br /> <br />developed a profile of combined operations, including organizational structure, <br /> <br />expenditures, and revenue. Phase III assessed the feasibility of combined operations, <br /> <br />including a tour of the Town and County of Pulaski, and reviewed Per Capita spending. <br /> <br />As of June 30, 2002, the state average per capita spending for cities and counties was <br /> <br />$54.57 and $40.05, respectively; both localities fall short of the state averages. Mr. <br /> <br />Varn stated that after careful study, the Committee developed the recommendation in <br /> <br />favor of consolidation of parks and recreation functions based on the strengths of <br /> <br />combined efforts. The report cites the following: <br /> <br />Service Quality - easier for one organization to coordinate parks and <br />recreation efforts; increase the number of programs offered; chance to <br />improve quality of athletics and other services; all programs would be <br />available to both communities; uniform approach to rules, standards, <br />facility maintenance; easier to improve all facilities; and better facilities <br />could be possible if cost savings are realized. <br />Potential Cost Savinqs/Revenue Opportunities - more grant opportunities <br />may exist for a regional plan; possibility of grants/external funding; may <br />increase corporate involvement. <br />Structure - it is recommended that combined operations be provided <br />under the structure of a parks and recreation commission; commission <br />would be appointed by the two governing bodies with equal number of <br />members from each, possibly the City Manager, County Administrator, <br />and community representatives; commission would be responsible for <br />setting policy/overseeing delivery of services; hire/redirect one position to <br />focus on marketing and fundraising; commission and staff continue to <br />work with all school systems to utilize their facilities; while Hooker Field is <br />not included in the combined budget figures, the committee urges the <br />localities to include that in a consolidated operation; and commission <br />should also consider including soccer in its program and work with the <br />Piedmont Youth Soccer League to do so. <br />Bud.qet - combined effort will require 36-month commitment to level <br />funding; localities will not reduce budget greater than percentage of overall <br />budget reductions; unexpended funds/excess revenue left at year-end <br />would remain with the commission; in addition to operating budget issues, <br />capital needs will be determined. <br />Averaqe Per Capita Spending - goal of combined operations to increase <br />levels of funding to state average per capita. <br /> <br /> <br />