Kern County Grand Jury • 2021-2022

Report: Buttonwillow Recreation and Park District

Published: December 01, 2021 20 pages
View Original PDF

Findings and Recommendations 12 findings

F1
The facilities are excellent, given the size of the community, providing numerous activities for both children and adults. Maintenance of the buildings and grounds demonstrate a dedication to the surrounding community.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The District should conduct a survey, schedule a town hall meeting, and ask the entire community what activities they would prefer before the next fiscal year. Informing the community of the financial situation should be done at this time. Adjusting the programs to fit the community could create better utilization of the facilities. (Findings 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8)
F2
The building rental rates, the sport field rental and program fees are comparable to fees in other nearby districts. A fee increase could be imposed in the physical fitness facilities.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
The demographics of the population suggests that the activities could be planned to match the age and social desires of the community.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
The population of Buttonwillow is declining which may reduce utilization of the facilities.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
The current debt service cost is more than the property tax revenue. This tax revenue will not be substantially increased in the foreseeable future.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Within the next twelve months, the Board of Directors should seek advice from county officials about the possibility of seeking an additional parcel fee to be applied to the bond debt until retired. The proposal of the fee would require an extended time to bring before the constituents for a vote. Advice should be sought quickly to establish a plan, before the District has exhausted its Reserve Fund. (Findings 5, 6 and 7)
F6
The District will exhaust the Reserve Fund in about five years at the current rate of withdrawal.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
When the reserve funds are exhausted, the facilities will not be maintained, staff will be reduced and programs diminished. Such a loss would be detrimental to the community.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
Informing the community of the financial dilemma could energize the community to become more involved.
Related Recommendations (3)
R3
The District should continuously seek to find other sources of revenue. Increasing fees for some programs will help. Other revenue sources could be selling refreshments at sporting activities, offering a Casino/Bingo night, or a meal in the evening for a reasonable cost using volunteers to assist. The community and District must think outside the box to avoid further financial instability. (Findings 8 and 9)
R4
Although it would increase the financial burden, the District, prior to establishing the fiscal year 2022-2023 budget, should establish a goal to find a qualified General Manager. Another alternative could be to offer to an in-house individual who would qualify if, at the District’s expense, they agree to pursue the education required. They could also function as Interim General Manager with mentoring from other General Managers. (Findings 8 and 9)
R7
The District should, , propose selling naming rights for the gymnasium or sports field, in consideration of an annual donation from a company or individual. Also, advertisement banners could be solicited from companies to be placed on the walls of the gymnasium with an annual donation. (Findings 8 and 9) NOTES: • The Buttonwillow Recreation and Park District should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury RESPONSE DEADLINES: RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO CAL. PENAL CODE § 933, SUBD. (C) AND 933.05 WITHIN 90 DAYS TO:  PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301  TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code § 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
F9
The District needs to increase revenue to continue the dream of bringing a high level of recreation to the area; a full-time General Manager would be an asset in accomplishing this task.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
A solar power system could be installed in the parking area to assist in lowering energy costs.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
Before the higher energy usage season, the Board of Directors should inquire into the possibility of installing a solar system to help lower energy costs. Further research should also be conducted to seek a grant for such a project. (Finding 10)
F11
The repair cost of the children’s wading pool is estimated to be over $7,000. This is a cost the District cannot afford. This will affect the quality of life in the community.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
The District should, , make the community aware of the major repair costs of the children’s wading pool. A community-minded company or individual could step forward to fund. The pool could then be named after the donor if desired. (Finding 11)
F12
Board and staff reside in the area and are dedicated to providing recreational activities for the entire community. Some of the Board members sponsor and/or coach a youth sports team in season. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury would like to thank the Directors and staff for the valuable input into this investigation. The willingness to come forth with the requested information is admirable. During the interviews, a comment, “children deserve the best” was made. The Grand Jury recognizes the District has to provide recreation for the community. Although they are in a financial dilemma, the Board and staff are positive the dream can be maintained—that Buena Vista—Good View—may make the dream a reality.
No recommendations for this finding

Comments 3