Volunteerism Viewed As Part of Budget Solution

Specific services historically taken for granted may not be as quickly delivered in the city of Sidney while belt-tightening is needed.

That is the message delivered to the Sidney City Council Tuesday.

Among the agenda items, the council discussed the proposed 2018-2019 budget extensively. The discussion included proposed reductions in service and how they might impact the community. Proposals included in the budget cuts include reducing mowing and watering of parks and greenbelt areas along the multi-use path and the baseball fields. City Manager

Ed Sadler suggested volunteers may be able to cover some of the maintenance needs. He suggested baseball organizations, including parents, could assist with maintaining baseball fields.

Sadler added that reducing watering and rotating cutting of grass is an option. Councilman Roger Gallaway questioned the procedure at a time when the city is promoting itself. He called it “extremely detrimental to a community” trying to recruit new businesses and drive potential business owners by an area that isn’t being mowed. 

Councilman Wendall Gaston suggested a rotating schedule with parks mowed one week and the trails the other week.

Areas proposed for reduced watering and mowing include parks and green spaces without playgrounds at San Marino Circle, Verde Lane and Baudick Park, South 11th walking trail irrigated bluegrass sod, transportation building City Hall, Fire Hall and Library. The proposal also includes not mowing Boot Hill, Camp Lookout, walking trail slopes and trail edges form Legion Park to the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds, walking trail from Deer Run Park to hilltop near Sapp Brothers Truck Stop and walking trail at South 11th from Summit to Old Post Road stoplight.

The proposal also calls for reducing staffing at the cemetery on Memorial Day Monday. Historically, there has been two staff at the cemetery from about 9 a.m. to noon. Sadler and the council also discussed possible donations or sponsorships including fish feed for pond at Legion Park, port-pots, and the tree give-away. Each of the portable outlets costs the City $70 per month by 12 months for $840 yearly. There is one at the walking trail near the rest home on Toledo, two at the Deer Run soccer fields, one at Legion Pond and playground and one at the tennis court/sand volleyball court. There is also the option of reducing the number of outlets from 11 to six.

Gallaway encouraged the council and Sadler to make the trail system and parks a higher priority. Councilman Bob Olsen asked about the liability with a volunteer mowing along the trail. Sadler said volunteers would not be mowing on the slopes; only along the trail. As the discussion went on, Sadler said volunteers would not be permitted to use City equipment.

Olsen added he was approached by an individual interested in supporting the City financially.

“If someone is asking you (to volunteer or offer support) send them my way,” Sadler said.