Commissioners approve parks system’s $34M budget
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners have approved the Oakland County Parks and Recreation $34.1 million budget for fiscal year 2022.
The budget will focus on projects that maintain park sites such as roof and HVAC replacements, road paving and maintenance and golf course irrigation. The total budget amount represents a $7 million increase from fiscal year 2021.
“One hundred percent of all funded projects are a reinvestment into existing facilities and natural areas,” Sue Wells, interim executive director of parks. “These projects are necessities. Our visitors expect their 14 Oakland County Parks to be well maintained.”
Fiscal year 2022 projects include:
• Glen Oaks and White Lake Oaks golf courses irrigation upgrades
• Independence Oaks County Park road paving
• Red Oaks Waterpark metal roof replacements
• Parks administration HVAC replacement
• Pavement Maintenance Program
• Increase in Natural Resources Management
In November 2020, county voters, for the first time in 54 years, were asked to approve a tax increase to support the operation and maintenance of the county’s parks and recreation system for the next 10 years.
Voters approved the proposal by a 76% margin, which increased the tax rate from .2310 mills ($0.23 per $1,000 taxable value) to .35 mills ($0.35 per $1,000 taxable value).
The new tax rate, which was levied in December 2020, will cost the owner of a home or business valued at $200,000 (taxable value of $100,000 approximately) $12 more, for a total of $35 year to maintain the parks system. It’s estimated that it will generate $22.6 million in revenue for the parks system through fiscal year 2024.
The 14-park system welcomes more than 2 million visitors annually and provides nearly 80 miles of trails, parks, campgrounds, dog parks, golf courses, nature centers, a farmers market, an ORV park, and yearround programming and special events.
In addition to facility upgrades and improvements, the parks system will also continue providing free annual vehicle permits for designated individuals; increase outreach and recreation offerings; establish a granting program for trails and local park improvement projects; and offer assistance to the county’s 62 cities, villages and townships for natural resources management.
The parks commission is contining its search for a new parks director following the retirement of Dan Stencil in March and with Wells planning to retire in early 2022.
Lawrence Hemingway, parks director in Evanston, Ill., was appointed as the new parks director Aug. 4, but he rescinded his application Sept. 21. It’s unclear why he made that decision.
Applications can be submitted through Oct. 18 here: https://www. govhrusa.com/job/oakland-county-mi-directorof-parks-recreation/?utm_ campaign=google_jobs_ apply&utm_source=google_ jobs_apply&utm_ medium=organic.