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Letter to the editor

City loves its lawns and it shows

Their care is spared in the budget, which whacks other city departments.

By CRISTINA SILVA, Times Staff Writer
Published October 10, 2007

David McKalip, founder of Cut Taxes Now, says: "That the taxpayers want to see pretty flower beds as much as they want to live in their own homes is ludicrous."
	[Ron Thompson | Times (2000)]

St. Petersburg- Even as other municipalities have slashed landscaping costs, the city has devoted nearly $5,800 per acre to keep up its sprawling park system, more than any other parks department in Pinellas County.

Despite the recent backlash against government spending that led to state-mandated budget cuts across Florida, city officials say neglecting St. Petersburg's popular waterfront parks and various athletic fields in order to save money is not an option.

"A city that doesn't pick up its trash or doesn't cut its grass - people are going to look at it as not a nice place to go," said City Council Chairman Jamie Bennett. "There are a lot of people in the city, the majority, who love this city and want it to look good, who realize that it is going to cost a certain amount of money to keep it looking good."

St. Petersburg Parks Department's budget grew from $13.8-million last year to $14.2-million in the recently approved city budget, most of which will go toward administration costs, such as salaries and benefits. The city has a separate recreation department with a budget of more than $14-million.

City officials say the recent addition of about 300 acres of park land, including a new park at Albert Whitted Municipal Airport, contributed to the increased costs.

But the bottom line is the city is spending more on lawn care than even the county.

This year, St. Petersburg allocated $10-million for the direct maintenance of the department's 1,737 acres of public land. It has a staff of about 73 workers who deal with landscaping maintenance.

In comparison, the Pinellas County Parks & Recreation Department oversees 4,224 acres, employs 105 landscaping workers, and spends $6.4-million on lawn maintenance.

City officials say it is unfair to compare St. Petersburg's Parks Department with that of other municipalities, which have fewer athletic fields and dog parks and less park land.

Unlike other cities, St. Petersburg has long been known for its collection of waterfront parks and recreation space. Mayor Rick Baker has even pledged to locate a public park within one-half mile of every resident, so that all children have access to a playground.

But critics argue city officials have put too high of a premium on manicured lawns and shrubbery.

"I don't believe they have the facts straight," said David McKalip, founder of Cut Taxes Now, a government watchdog agency. "That the taxpayers want to see pretty flower beds as much as they want to live in their own homes is ludicrous."

Cliff Footlick, director of the Parks Department, said his staff is always looking for new ways to cut costs, while still ensuring the city's green spaces look aesthetically pleasing. The city recently invested in lawn equipment that allows the staff to cut all of the department's grass in three days, down from several weeks.

"We know these parks are very beneficial to the city," he said. "Residents love them and they are willing to pay for it. They always have."

The city's focus on lawn care was apparent during recent citywide budget cuts.

The Parks Department lost four employees, out of a total of 70 who were let go. Other departments were hit much harder. The Code Compliance Assistance Department lost 12 employees, or about 25 percent of its staff. The Office of Aging lost eight of its 15 employees and had to reduce service hours at the city's adult centers by 40 percent.

Residents were also told to pay up. Increased fees compensate for about $1-million of the city's tax cuts. And funding to social service and arts organizations was slashed by $1.5-million.

Other parks department officials said they managed to save tax dollars by having fewer employees do more work.

"We don't want to have lawns just to have lawns," said Paul Cozzie, manager of the county's Parks and Recreation Department. "Because so much of our parks are natural lands, the costs come down a lot."

Cristina Silva can be reached at csilva@sptimes.com or 727 893-8846.

Parks Departments By The Numbers

Info: Municipality Parks Department budget in 2007 Parks Department budget in 2008 Percent Difference

St. Petersburg $13.8-million $14.2-million +3

(St. Petersburg has set aside $14.6-million for recreation in 2008)

Pinellas County( includes recreation costs) $50.7-million $41-million -19

Source: various government agencies.

[Last modified October 9, 2007, 21:54:31]