Town of Gilbert, Arizona May Cut Special Needs Services

The following is posted with permission in reference to the 5/5/09 meeting:

On next Wednesday’s Town Council agenda, there is an item relating to the proposed budget for next year. On page 8 of the council communication there is a listing of services that will be considered for elimination from the budget…one of those items is the elimination of the staff that provides the special needs programming through the parks and recreation department (called Community Services here in Gilbert).

Here is the link:
http://www.ci.gilbert.az.us/boards/staffreports/council/027-05-05-09cc.pdf

If I can answer any questions, feel free to call me: 480 580-4132.
Bobbi Smith
Gilbert Parks Advisory Board

Here is a sample of what you could say or write to the Town Council:

I am writing regarding an agenda item on the Tuesday, May 5th Gilbert Town Council agenda. Item 27 recommends decimating the Community Services parks and recreation programs by eliminating teen, youth sport, special needs, outdoor, special event and ranger staffing.

Gilbert already has the leanest staff to population-served ratio in the valley. Our handful of recreation employees does an exemplary job of providing services to thousands of residents.

These services help create the “family-friendly” atmosphere that is always listed as an asset to Gilbert. Recreation services add value, safety and quality to resident’s perception of their community. They also attract businesses that are touted as economic engines for the future of Gilbert.

If they were adequately staffed, all programs could operate at a more successful level, both in terms of services provided and economic
recovery. However, the recommended staff reductions will guarantee that many programs cannot exist to serve residents. Without programming, our capital investment in pools, land and recreation facilities will be getting an even lower return on operation and maintenance costs.

Gilbert residents deserve more. Gilbert residents moved here because they expect more.

Please join me in encouraging the Town Council to consider other options to increase revenue vs. reducing our community services to the role of a maintenance department.