Cook County Forest Preserves 2016 budget up slightly

The proposed budget for 2016 for the Forest Preserve of Cook County seeks appropriation authority of $190.2 million - an increase of less than 2 percent, with no increase in the number of full-time employees, but with four more part-time and/or seasonal employees.

In line with the district's Next Century Conservation Plan, which was adopted this year, goals include:

• Restoring ecological health and protecting the diversity of plants and animals that depend on the preserves.

• Providing well-maintained buildings, trails and other facilities, and making them accessible to all county residents.

• Increasing outreach to underserved communities and expanding educational and recreational opportunities.

This budget also holds consistent the amount of money given to support the operations of the Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Botanic Garden, at $14.9 million and $9.3 million respectively.

The Corporate Fund, or operating budget of $65.6 million, is balanced without raising property taxes, increasing fees or fines, or transferring money from reserve funds. The major factor in a $3.5 million increase in the operating budget is cost-of-living adjustments to salary.

The budget does include a transfer of $8.2 million dollars from reserve funds to the Capital Improvement Fund, $6 million for restoration work and $2 million for facilities renovations.

In the last several years, the district made significant capital improvements funded by a $110 million in 2012 general obligation bonds, including $29 million spent on five new and revitalized campgrounds and $6 million in trail improvements.

Public attendance also increased at our six nature centers by nearly 43,000 people.

The budget proposal recommends the pursuit of additional sources of nontax revenue and cultivation of more resources from partners and volunteers.

This includes expanding concession revenue, pursuing corporate sponsorships, public-private partnerships, and working with the Forest Preserves Foundation to leverage support from the private sector. Additional cost cutting measures also will be explored, including potential outsourcing of certain operations.