Photo Credit: © Can Stock Photo / kasto
More and more parks and recreation departments need to deal with “program cost-recovery” initiatives to make up the difference between what they are being allotted in their budgets and the actual cost of providing services to community participants. Hence, financial accountability (sustainability) is the norm for most parks and recreation departments these days. “What does our bottom line look like this month?” may not be the first question asked at a board meeting or by a supervisor. However, it’s not far behind.
While all organizations are under pressure to meet their budgets, not-for-profit parks and recreation departments are, by definition, not subject to making a profit. Having said that, we are seeing a shift in accountability for the public sector with more communities wanting to know exactly what they are getting for their tax dollars.
What we don’t want to happen is for departments, boards, and the community in general to lose sight of all of the other key areas that make for a well-rounded department and, hence, a happy and healthy community. Elements such as participant satisfaction, safety, employee satisfaction, and operational efficiency all contribute to a high-functioning department that will help ensure the support of the community.