Budget Problems Plague Metro Parks
Fate Of Parks Director In Jeopardy
POSTED: 4:18 pm CST November 3,
2009
UPDATED: 3:57 pm CST November 5,
2009
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The future for the current director of the Metro Parks department is uncertain because of budget problems, said the Nashville mayor's office on Tuesday.
In a statement to Channel 4 News, Mayor Karl Dean confirmed discussions are being made concerning Roy Wilson's fate. Wilson has been the head of Metro parks since 2004."Roy and I talked late last week. He understands my deep concerns regarding the financial condition of the Parks Department. He's asked for some time to work through a personal issue related to his health," said Dean in a written statement. "Roy and I have come to an understanding, and it's my expectation that the broader issues regarding the future direction of the department will be resolved over the next few weeks."Last year, the Metro Parks department was $700,000 over budget. Estimates this year are that the department will be $1 million over budget.As a result, the Metro Parks programs that taxpayers depend on could be significantly cut. Arts programs could be cut, and the hours at many park facilities could be reduced because of the budget problems.The parks system was supposed to cut about 10 percent of its budget as part of a plan agreed upon during finance hearings. But that apparently did not take place, and now the parks board has to make some tough decisions.
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