8.1. SR 12-01-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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As ie parks and recreation system continues to grow and change, additional funding will be needed. Funding not only for big, exciting new facilities like an new ice arena or splash pad or neighborhood park revitalization, new programs, and outreach, etc. It is anticipated that the City of Elk River will fund the system using multiple methods. The following sections provide additional information about the types of fundin sources identified in Table X. iI eneral funds can and should be used to develop and maintain the parks and recreation system. General funds are the primary funding source for on -going maintenance, operations, and amenities. Most grants also have a matching requirement that is often pledged with general funds. Dedicated Tax Levy A city can hold a referendum for a dedicated tax levy with proceeds directed specifically for parks and recreation. This levy can be used for capital projects as well as operations and maintenance. The proceeds may be in place of general funds or be supplemented by general funds. The advantage of a dedicated tax levy is that parks and recreation receives a more stable source of funding and does not have to compete with other city priorities for funding on an annual basis. leneral Obligation Bonds and Revenue Bonds provide another source of implementation funding for new public facilities, as well as repairs and /or upgrades to existing facilities. Residents can decide to raise revenue through a permanent or temporary tax increase dedicated for specific purposes such as park, trail, and bikeway improvements and maintenance. These funds are usually provided through bonds approved as part of a voter referendum. EM 1.1l.FllUDR-� State aid funds are available for pedestrian and bicycle improvements on state aid streets. This funding source is particularly useful at the time of street construction or re- construction. Elk River should have a process for evaluating needed trail and sidewalk improvements as part of capital improvement projects. PARK AMRTRAIL Minnesota Statutes a ow ocal governments to require dedication of land or cash in -lieu of land for parks and trails from new subdivisions. The dedication must be reasonable and rationally related to the recreation demand created by the development. Cities can also require dedication of right -of -way or easements for sidewalks or trails. Franchise fees are a charge listed on the monthly bill that customers receive from a utility, such as natural gas, electricity or cable. This can be a flat amount each month or a percentage of the monthly bill. A franchise fee can be implemented with an ordinance which must be approved by the City Council. The City of Edina recently started collecting a franchise fee for gas and electricity customers. The fee is a small flat fee ($1.45 per month) which the city will use to build and maintain its pedestrian and bicycle network. The City of Moorhead uses this tool to fund park maintenance and operations. The City partners with the local school district, particularly in the use of athletic fields. The continued collaboration between the City and the school district is important in ensuring adequate access to athletic facilities and minimizing overlap in programs . Communication should occur on at least an annual basis about planned projects and additional opportunities to jointly develop open space and public facilities as appropriate. =013019"W1110 Elk River has partnerships with both public and private organizations. These relationships have historically led to improvements to City parks and other public facilities. Partnerships