Dinwiddie supervisors say spring recreation programs are safe for now

DINWIDDIE -- All spring recreational programs will continue this year, the Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed yesterday. But officials warned residents that some programs could be cut in the next fiscal year, which starts in July.

County officials were considering cutting all or some Department of Parks and Recreation programs, including exercise classes and youth sports, as a way to address a $1.5 million shortfall in the county's $39 million operating budget.

Supervisors said they received numerous calls from concerned residents who want to keep the recreational services unchanged.

The potential cuts were made public at a Feb. 3 meeting. Since then, county residents have mobilized in opposition. Some groups held community forums and circulated petitions in support of keeping the recreational services. About 1,000 signatures were collected, said Cari Simmons, a parks and recreation volunteer and a longtime county resident.

Last night, about 400 residents, including some youth groups, showed up at the Pamplin Administration Building in support of the recreational services. Because of the large turnout, the supervisors decided about 7 p.m. to move the meeting to Dinwiddie High School. The start of the meeting was delayed until 7:45 p.m.

After they arrived for the meeting, residents learned that board members had decided yesterday afternoon to keep the spring programs running.

"We all agree . . . that there will not be any cuts to programs in the 2009 schedule," said board Chairman Donald L. Haraway. But he said that because of the economic situation, some programs may be affected in the fiscal year that starts July 1.

County Administrator W. Kevin Massengill recommended that all scheduled spring programs continue, but he said the county will have to find other savings in the Department of Parks and Recreation's current budget.

Some considerations include changing hours of operation at the county's Eastside Community Enhancement Center, which offers recreational classes, programs and events, to save on utilities, personnel and operational costs.

All county departments will face some funding cuts to make up for the shortfall, Massengill said. Those reductions will be discussed next month. Supervisors considered the possible parks and recreation cuts before reductions in other departments because spring programs are set to start March 1.

Dinwiddie resident Thelma Jones told board members yesterday that the enhancement center is a key service to residents.

"It provides avenues for all citizens to come together for various programs and recreation," she said. She said residents recognize the budget challenges, but they support the recreation department. "We must preserve the programs. I am hoping that all programs will be continued."

Contact Luz Lazo at (804) 649-6058 or .