More Budget Hearing Monday – 3/21/2011

• 

  Susan Temple said,

  Dear Bob,

  I just perused the budget for the park and recreation department and was horrified to find that out of a requested budget of a $932,063– $602,592 is in salaries. I see that it has steadily gone down over the years, but seriously, 2/3 of the budget goes to salary? Is that normal? I specifically looked at park and rec because for almost 3 years we’ve been asking for a dog park. I see nothing in that budget that leads me to believe they have taken our request seriously. Recently I received an email from Rocky Vitale which said, in part, he wanted to revisit the issue of a dog park and see if there was still any interest. I’m interested, but I’m not interested in working with a town government that takes almost 3 years to even begin to work on this issue. I think you can understand my frustration, and it doesn’t help when I look at that budget. Without even looking I am sure I’d find the same kind of ratio of salary to budget in most departments. I think the hard working residents of Naugatuck deserve better than that.

• 

  Bob said,

  Hi Susan:

  The salary to budget ratio is not unusual as most departments are labor intensive. The primary responsibilities of the Recreation department is the maintenance of fields and parks and the implementation of programs by staff. As the further consolidation of Public Works continues, it is likely that the recreation portion of the budget will be primarily program based. Fields do not mow themselves, lines do not magically appear and programs do not just happen. A human being is required to perform most tasks associated with this and other similar departments. This is not unusual in any town.

  Projects that require significant, one (1) time funding are usually located in the capital portion of the budget which has yet to be presented. I have not seen the costs associated with construction of a dog park as the process is being driven by the Park Department. While it may seem simple, there are concerns that must be addressed before creating a dog park; a project that certainly does not have universal support. Location, land preparation, fencing, safety concerns and liability issues are all being investigated with regard to a dog park. If issues arise at a dog park, there will undoubtedly be advocates for staffing the park and monitoring its use.

  There certainly has been much time devoted to a dog park. Please keep in mind, however, that there are multiple projects of various natures that have been waiting for implementation a lot longer than three (3) years. Many of our athletic fields are in serious need of repair and/or resurfacing. We have had very little money during the biggest economic recession of our lifetime to start new ventures. While I can understand your frustration, I believe those who support a dog park have done a remarkable job advancing the idea to the point it is currently. Whether or not it is funded in this year’s budget will not determine a dog park’s ultimate fate.

  Thank you for your comments.

Add A Comment