At a County Council meeting Oct. 31, County Executive Charlie A. Dooley presented a budget plan that would save the county ten million dollars a year which sparked an outcry of protest from civilians and conservationists  across the St. Louis area.

To accomplish this plan, Dooley would like to eliminate 175 jobs, most of which are vacant, increase fees for construction permits and reduce snow removal services on subdivision streets in unincorporated St. Louis County.

The largest budget cuts would affect community parks, slashing over 4.3 million dollars from the Parks Department. This would close 23 parks, including Lone Elk, George Winter and Greensfelder.

“It has become evident that the economic downturn is not just a passing storm, but it is our new reality,” Dooley said in the cover letter plan presented Oct. 31. “This budget should come as no surprise to our county citizens, many of whom are struggling with stale wages, lack of work and steadily increasing food and fuel expenses.”

Many county council members claim the administration has exaggerated fiscal problems, and hope to consider other options. A special budget committee, led by council chairman Steve Stenger, has been formed to provide an accurate view of the budget.

“The purpose of the committee would be to invite and encourage true representation as to the state of our financial affairs,” Stenger said during a council meeting Nov. 1.

The greatest opposition has come from environmentalists, historical preservationists and other citizens who feel that a disproportionate amount of the budget is siphoned away from the Parks Department budget. Forty-three percent of the money would be taken from parks.

“It’s unfair that one department bears the majority of the cuts,” park ranger Jeff Tribl said Nov. 1. “We’re supposed to be a team.”

A demonstration took place outside the Nov. 15 budgetary hearing in Clayton. The event’s Facebook page had over 130 people attending.

Another complaint against the budget plan is that the county administration undervalues the parks. Many people appreciate the benefits that the facilities can provide.

“In most urban centers, parks are especially important because they really need the green space, much more so than other places,” orchestra teacher Elizabeth Bresler said.

With so many different opinions on how much the parks are needed and used, the topic is highly debated.

“I don’t think they should close the park down because the forest is an important part of our lives,” junior  said. “People can go to those places to leave the world behind them. Parks are the best thing to have in a city; it’s good for parents and their kids too.”

The Council will conduct meetings with the heads of the affected departments during the month of December to begin to resolve the issue. #