Mill Creek MetroParks announces 2015 budget cuts and capital improvement projects

YOUNGSTOWN — The Board of Park Commissioners approved the Mill Creek MetroParks 2015 budget at the March board meeting Monday night. The budget contains $144,661 in cuts to various operating expense line items in the general fund.

“We took advantage of an opportunity to become more efficient utilizing tax dollars in fulfilling our mission,” said executive director Aaron Young. “Each individual department must be highly organized, efficient, and live within its budget.”

Despite the cuts, several major capital improvement projects will take place this year, the majority of which will be funded by money from grants and the Mill Creek MetroParks Foundation. Park staff has secured more than $800,000 in funding for these projects.

Improvements and repairs will be made to the Lily Pond, Lanterman’s Mill, and the Mill Creek Golf Course, among other areas. Major capital improvement projects total $991,644, and 84 percent ($832,981) of this cost will be paid for by outside sources.