Ojai Valley News Blog

Increased fees for services probable

By Sondra Murphy
Projected city revenue losses are already having a negative impact on many of the programs the people have come to expect. At the heart of these are recreation opportunities for valley citizens of all ages.

Historically, Ojai Recreation Department has been subsidized by the general fund to offset the cost of operating the facility and programs. ORD took budget hits in 2004-2005 that eliminated two-and-a-half positions, capital improvement funds, in-house maintenance, boxing and the Easter and Halloween community events, as well as severely stripped the teen program, Ojai Day funding, Skate Park maintenance and increased user fees.

In February, city manager Jere Kersnar presented a midyear budget report that showed it would be necessary to make further budget adjustments in order to achieve the City Council-directed balanced budget. The Parks and Recreation Commission was given the challenge of cutting $150,000 from its 2010-2011 budget through cost cutting, fee increases and reducing or eliminating programs. With 8,000 city residents, but up to 37,000 estimated residents valleywide, county support of Ojai’s recreational facilities are slim at best, adding to the responsibility shouldered by ORD.

The Recreation Commis-sion met twice in March in order to take on the reduction needs. “The commissioners really took their task to heart,” said ORD director Dale Sumersille. “They agreed they wanted to restore youth programs. We need to be good stewards and provide recreation programs.” She said that the commission hoped that parent volunteers would step up to the plate in helping to officiate and coach future leagues and programs.

The outcome of the meetings was a report presented by Sumersille at last week’s City Council meeting. “Staff has reviewed each program area and line item very carefully. To keep the Recreation Department self-sustaining to the greatest extent possible, the following regrettable recommendations are proposed,” Sumersille reported. Eliminations included teen dances and the teen boxing program; the aquatics program and Ojai Day event; eliminating the haunted house event; and changing one full-time position to a part-time position. The commission also recommended reducing all contract instructors by 5 percent and various program supplies and equipment, such as T-shirts or awards. Also proposed were increases in registration fees by $5, adult sports programs by $25 per team, and out-of-city fees to $7 per activity and per participant.

Those recommendations allowed the commission to cut $133,395.75, so they further recommended cut ting the following programs: fall and spring day camps; youth softball class; youth flag football league; youth and peewee soccer leagues and classes; adult basketball league; adult flag football league; and adult volleyball, including leagues and the annual Gasaway Tournament.

“Going to the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was very enlightening because they dealt with it head-on,” said Kersnar. “They said, ‘We know what the problem is and here’s what we’re going to do,’ even though they didn’t want any cuts, so they decided to try and save youth programs, thin it out, in order to keep the program at a reduced cost. They spent a lot of time on it and I would go along with their recommendations.”

But the council was flabbergasted. “I’m just disappointed that it took so long to come before us because it puts us in a very tough position,” said Councilwoman Betsy Clapp.

“As far as the process, as far as the $150,000, we want you to see the impacts and, if you don’t like it, you can change it,” said Kersnar. The Ojai Parks and Recreation Commission is an advisory group to the City Council. The council alone has authority to make policy decisions and direct staff.

“But, really, I don’t want to know what we need to cut,” said Councilwoman Sue Horgan. “What we need is a vigorous program with wide participation.” She asked for staff to revisit the budget and bring back a new proposal. “I think we’re better off to offer the programs with increased fees rather than have no programs.”

The council then voted to reinstate the aquatics program, raise out-of-city fees to $10 per child, per activity, and increase adult sports programs by the recommended $25 per team. County property taxes contribute little or nothing to the Recreation Department. Sumersille said she was hoping the county supervisors would soon vote to give $16,500 to ORD for scholarships.

“It’s the kids who need these programs who end up suffering,” said Sumersille about the program cuts.

Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sage Intner concurred. “We want to prioritize, keeping youth sports as strong as possible,” she said. “We are a linchpin for the community … This is where we’re establishing what Ojai is.”

Intner pointed out that staff already volunteers at the department. “So you’re looking at cutting staff hours for hours they’re not even being paid for,” Intner said. “We cut out our teen dances and it seems small, but those are contact points.”

The issue of Ojai Day was touched upon as to whether it even belonged as part of the recreation budget. Last year’s Ojai Day cost $53,768 to fund but brought in $40,000 in revenues for a net cost to the city of $13,768. Organizers estimated that if various stipends were eliminated, it could add up to more than $5,000 in additional savings and result in less than $9,000 of city support.

Sumersille said, since the council meeting, subsequent Parks and Recreation Commission meetings have netted $157,316 in cuts.

Program decisions need to be made soon so ORD may order accurate summer programs brochures. The item will again appear on the Ojai City Council agenda Tuesday, as Sumersille brings back details about further commission discussion and staff ideas. That meeting is at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 401 S. Ventura St.