Mpls. park board to vote on 2013 budget

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board will vote this week to put forward a 2013 budget with no tax levy increase.

Commissioner Scott Vreeland said the park board will also likely put off suggested cuts to the hours of six smaller recreational centers. Park staff had recommended cutting hours to defray the rising costs of fuel, health care and pensions.

But Vreeland said board members need more time for public input.

"I think it's going to be a two-year process," he said. "The funding issues won't get any easier. If there isn't the political will or the public support to operate all these centers, then we'll have to go back to the drawing board and suggest some different plans."

Vreeland said the board may find one-time money to maintain the buildings' hours.

The park board will vote Wednesday on the budget proposal. Commissioners will hold a public hearing and have their final budget vote on Dec. 12.

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