By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-860928.mp3
Dallas, TX –
Dallas City Council members are taking steps to restore budget cuts to recreation centers, after school programs, and activities for Seniors. KERA's BJ Austin reports.
The proposal to restore Rec center funding by raising the Atmos Energy franchise fee, creating a new home rental fee, higher park and recreation fees, and increases on limo and cab fees passed on a split vote. Council member Ann Margolin says Atmos Energy is just going to pass the 1.3 million in higher fees to Dallas customers.
Margolin: I know the council said we were not going to raise taxes, but that's what we're doing in disguise.
Councilman Dave Neumann also had such concerns, but they were trumped by the importance of the recreation centers and programs.
Neumann: There's consensus about fully funding, restoring the park and recreation department programs. And the Manager of a 2.7 billion dollar budget can take care of the kids and seniors. And clearly that has been a priority coming out of our town hall meetings.
Parks director Paul Dyer says the 2.4 million in the package approved on a straw vote will ALMOST fully fund everything. The final budget vote comes in two weeks.