The Saugerties parks system and the Cantine Veterans Memorial
Complex is the envy of virtually every community in the Hudson Valley. The baseball/soccer fields, ice arena and
various events held on the complex bring tens of thousands of visitors to
Saugerties each year. But how much does it
cost taxpayers to maintain all this?
According to the 2016
Town Budget, total Parks Department spending (including an estimate of
fringe benefits) this year is $1,195,381 ($991,302 for village taxpayers). Parks spending accounts for 13.6% of all General Fund/Outside Village spending.
Saugerties' spending in this area far, far exceeds all other Ulster County towns. Expenses are offset by $380,000 in revenues from user fees, etc.
Saugerties' spending in this area far, far exceeds all other Ulster County towns. Expenses are offset by $380,000 in revenues from user fees, etc.
Town parks spending is enhanced by revenues from the Recreation
Trust Fund. The Trust Fund gets revenues from fees charged to developers and private donations. Money from this fund can only be
used for recreational purposes subject to the approval of the Town Board. Fees
charged to outside groups wishing to use the town’s fields also are deposited
in this fund (e.g., the Saugerties Stallions pay $15,000 per year for the use
of Cantine Field).
Last year, the Recreation Trust Fund had revenues of
$108,612 and expenditures of $80,933. The fund balance was $63,389 as of 12/31/15.
