Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

Politics

City floats outsourcing idea

Clearwater considers privatizing its six major rec centers and pools to save money.

By MIKE DONILA
Published July 17, 2007

Clearwater officials have said they want to turn the city's six major recreation centers and swimming pools over to a third party to run in hopes of saving cash during tight budget times.

The only problem, city leaders acknowledged Monday, is no one may take them up on their offer.

During a workshop, Kevin Dunbar, the city's parks and recreation director, said he'd talked to some local nonprofit organizations about the city's proposal and only one was interested: the local branch of the Boys & Girls Club.

Even that group said it would need to consult with its national affiliate.

City leaders decided it wouldn't hurt to try. They authorized Dunbar to go ahead and put out a "request for proposal" to see if any group or vendor steps forward.

"The only way to get an answer to this question is to ask it," Vice Mayor John Doran said. "But I don't think we're going to get one."

City officials have said they weren't sure how much money the plan could save. But they've said they were prepared for such an outsourcing venture to reduce services and raise user fees.

They said a recent state mandate that local governments curtail property tax revenues has forced the city to be more creative with operating its signature Recreation Department.

Plus, proponents argue, it may be the only way to keep all the city's recreation centers open in the face of budget cuts or possible future state mandates that affect spending.

"If there is a way to make outsourcing work, then we want to do it," said council member Paul Gibson.

The Recreation Department later this month will begin the formal bidding process and report back to the council in early October. If a third party takes over, the transition will take place soon so that the new operator is in place by Jan. 1.

The city has tinkered with privatization before, turning the operation of four small facilities over to nonprofit groups, including the Boys & Girls Club and saving $500,000 annually.

But never before has the city contemplated the approach with a major recreation center that includes a number of camps and activities like basketball leagues, yoga classes and swim lessons.

[Last modified July 17, 2007, 07:36:01]