SPRD battles to stay alive

After long and sometimes contentious debate, the Sisters Park & Recreation Board of Directors decided Tuesday, August 25, to cancel after-school, Teen Center and summer drop-in programs that cost the district but do not bring in revenue in order to concentrate efforts and energy on programs that do bring in revenue to the financially troubled district.

The board decided not to implement a complete shut-down. Fall programs that have enough enrollment to cover costs - such as flag football and volleyball - will continue to operate. The district will also support community partner organizations including the Headstart program.

"While we know this will have an immediate impact on many families, the board is committed to working on a new business plan for the district to stabilize funding, and in the long run, allow us to better serve residents of SPRD," said executive director Carrie Ward.

SPRD is facing an $18,000 cash shortfall before tax revenues from its 22 cents/$1,000 tax base are received in November. In addition, the district is carrying close to $110,000 in debt.

The district has also seen declining enrollment in programs and a fall-off in grant revenue and donations.

"The board of directors will hold a retreat on September 17 to begin developing a new business plan for the district, focused on reinventing the way we serve our community and fund programs and services," Ward said. "A part of this planning effort will be organizing different ways in which the community can be involved in the reinvention process."

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Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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