Letters to the Editor

Letter to the editor: Clarifying statements about PenMet’s budget

I am writing regarding Craig McLaughlin’s October 10, 2023 Letter to the Editor, which contained several factual inaccuracies and misleading statements.

PenMet Parks staff has developed the district’s draft 2024 operating and capital budget proposal which responsibly balances community needs, goals and objectives with available resources while reinforcing the district’s long-term financial stability. The first part of the draft budget proposal was presented to the Board of Park Commissioners during a study session on October 3, 2023, and the draft budget presentation will continue at the next Park Board study session at 5 p.m. on October 17 (this letter was submitted earlier that day).

This presentation will provide constituents with accurate information about development of the draft budget not included in Mr. McLaughlin’s letter. All members of the public are invited to attend the October 17 study session to learn more about the draft 2024 budget proposal. Additionally, the Board will conduct two public hearings in November to allow the public to review the 2024 budget proposal and give comments in favor of or in opposition to the proposed budget.

Mr. McLaughlin’s questions regarding the Community Recreation Center have already been addressed.  As referenced by Mr. McLaughlin, PenMet Parks conducted an operational pro forma that found the CRC would be 96% self-sustaining by the end of the third year of operations, providing a high degree of confidence that the facility can be maintained and operated within PenMet Parks’ budgetary framework in the long term. However, consistent with the district’s comprehensive financial management policies, PenMet Parks has taken a conservative approach when forecasting CRC revenues and expenses to ensure that the district is positioned to withstand local and regional economic conditions, adjust efficiently to the changing service requirements within the district’s boundaries, and effectively maintain and improve PenMet Parks’ infrastructure.

I encourage the community to seek the information that they need to understand more about their park district and not rely on Mr. McLaughlin’s letters as credible information.

Steve Nixon

President, PenMet Board of Commissioners

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