Department of Recreation's Cutbacks Could Affect Community Programming

A handful of Potomac residents got the opportunity to understand the Department of Recreation’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2012 and how it will directly affect the local community centers and activities at a meeting on Tuesday.

Recreation Director Gabriel Albornoz explained some of the enhancements, eliminations and reductions that could happen with the Department of Recreation’s proposed budget at the meeting, which took place at the .

The Department of Recreation is facing a five percent reduction in its operating budget from Fiscal Year 2011 — a fate not nearly as bad a the department expected, Albornoz said. He explained that the department was preparing for a 15 percent reduction in their operating budget after cutting 24 percent of their budget over the last three years. In Fiscal Year 2011 the department received $25,896,670 and in Fiscal Year 2012 the department is looking at a proposed budget of $24,464,990.

“I’m blown away by the staff and management team that continues to work through these tough times,” Albornoz said. “We are doing the best we can to sustain the core level of programming given the fiscal situation.”

Cuts have been suggested in many county agencies after County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) that will help close a $300 million budget gap in the county.

To meet the five percent cut, the Department of Recreation is prepared to eliminate some programs and jobs, Albornoz said. Among the services proposed for elimination are all youth sports except basketball, teen special events and the department’s support of the Maryland Senior Olympics. There will also be a reduction in the workforce of two management positions.

Some enhancements are coming with the Fiscal Year 2012 budget such as funds for equipment maintenance and grounds maintenance.

The Department of Recreation’s eliminations are affecting the Potomac Community Center; however, it may not be strongly felt, said Director of the Potomac Community Center Emily McDonell.

“We have a very robust basketball program so we are glad that will continue,” McDonell said. “The community values basketball.”

Another popular program at the Potomac Community Center, , is here to stay, McDonell said. Club Friday, a youth club program open to Montgomery County students in grades 3 through 6, brings in revenue as it charges an annual fee of $65. The Department of Recreation is pushing to get rid of many programs that do not bring in revenue, Albernoz said.

The , which will be closed during Fiscal Year 2012 to make way for its , will save the Department of Recreation more than $99,000.

Montgomery County Council will vote to pass the operating budget after gathering input from a series of public hearings this week. The first meeting took place on Tuesday and will be on Wednesday and Thursday at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Montgomery County Council Building.