Parks department to go back to staff to decide summer cuts

The Carson City Parks Department's request to keep the same number of seasonal employees was sent back by supervisors Thursday for more study.

The city's Internal Finance Committee approved 19 out of the department's typical 25 seasonal employees, citing the need to cut spending as the city faces an estimated $1 million deficit for the current fiscal year and another $2.2 million next year.

Parks officials reported they would have to cut service at the city's parks if the department lost three or more employees, including having to ask the Carson City Youth Sports Association to cut field usage by 25 percent. Staff said they would also have to close restroom facilities on the weekends.

Each employee, normally hired between April 1 and Oct. 30, is estimated to cost $10,000.

"What we're talking about is doing an across-the-board reduction," said Steve Kastens, Parks and Recreation director.

Supervisors asked staff to consider raising fees for park usage and to ask local sports leagues to chip in for either maintaining the fields or restroom service.

Supervisor Pete Livermore, also president of the youth association, said he was frustrated with the situation.

"My frustration is, we're impacting a level down to the users now," Livermore said.

Parks staff will meet with the finance committee about the cuts Monday.