By Wolfgang von Buchler

Anderson resident

All across the county and throughout Indiana, cities are facing significant budget cuts. As a municipality’s budget decreases the task of providing essential services to citizens becomes very daunting. These services not only benefit the community directly, but serve as an attraction to local businesses wanting to expand, as well as new businesses seeking a community in which to locate.

Services cut versus those retained speak volumes about the city’s priorities and values. Should the burden of cuts be placed more heavily on one department or evenly distributed? What about quality of life? In an Oct. 23 article in The Herald Bulletin about budget cuts, the information was not totally accurate or complete. According to figures on display regarding the Oct. 10 City Council meeting, the following cuts are proposed: Fire Department — 9% cut; Police Department — 14%; other departments from 5 to 15%, with several departments showing no budget for 2010. Are they being funded or eliminated?

What was not shown was a 73% cut in the Parks Department (starting budget $2,752,251 — after cuts — $753,433). How can a 73% cut be justified? What information or evidence was used to make this decision? Was/will public input be sought or considered? And, if we faced such a tough budget, why was a brand new SUV purchased by the city this year for use by the Parks Department? Recently The Indianapolis Star reported that their parks department is facing an 8% budget cut. However, they are planning to obtain input from the public on how to more effectively deal with this reduction and still provide quality services and facilities. Anderson residents pay the bills through taxes. Our elected officials owe us an explanation.

Parks are essential to the vitality of a community. They help improve or at the least maintain the physical and psychological health of its citizens. They are a key component to the strength of the real estate market. Clearly the basic fundamentals and assets of our parks system are being taken for granted. If budget cuts are made, how will maintenance of equipment, facilities and even mowing be accomplished? Will people be able to reserve Shadyside Park for weddings or family reunions? Facing a reduction in staff, will recreation programs such as youth football still be offered? Will there still be Concerts in the Park? More now than ever, it’s critical that this community and its officials understand the overall value of our parks system — what it provides and what it offers to the economic value of this community.

If we value our parks, let’s support them!