8/13/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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AUG 13 BOOK the subject of the various options for funding could be discussed afterward. After the presentation Commissioner Bird stated that we needed this independent, unbiased, non-political study of the recreation programs in the county and he was pleased with it. Mayor Smith recounted the successful manner in which emergency services were consolidated and recommended that the same approach be used for recreation services. He further stated that the City of Vero Beach will be looking at eliminating or cutting back recreation services because the City can no longer fund it. Commissioner Scurlock agreed with Mayor Smith"s comments regarding the success of consolidation of emergency services. Discussion ensued regarding the ownership and maintenance of the various parks in the county, and the options for funding the activities in those facilities. County Administrator Jim Chandler stated that if everyone is in agreement on consolidation, the funding could be from general funds. However, if any municipality were excluded, we would look to another method of funding. Mayor Smith felt that consolidated recreation services would provide activities in the most equitable manner. He also thought that if a municipality initially chose not to participate, the citizens would eventually demand use of those facilities and the municipality would be forced to participate. Rob McClary, City Manager of Sebastian, strongly advocated centralization of recreation services. He was not in favor of a special taxing district to fund recreation services and felt the County Commission should take that responsibility. He also felt the subject study had some serious flaws because the participation numbers to determine the subsidy showed 7 Sebastian youths registered to participate; actually there are 633 kids that participate. He enumerated other details of the operation of recreation services that he felt were inequitable to Sebastian but did not want to take away from the positive aspects of the study. He urged centralization of recreation services. David Gregg, former Mayor of Vero Beach and a member of the audience, urged the city and county representatives to address the issue and make the decision. Chairman Eggert was in favor of accepting the report and forming a committee to implement the recommendations. Mayor Smith was in favor of accepting the report and suggested the committee be made up of the City Managers of the municipalities along with the County Administrator and the Recreation Director.