2013-040 Adopting a Parks Master Plan for the City of Paris

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GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS - These bonds are issued by the city following an election in which the voters authorize their issuance for specific stated purposes, as well as the necessary tax increases to support them. These bonds pledge the property or ad valorem taxing power of the city. CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION - These certificates have basically the same effect as general obligation bonds except they do not require an election to authorize them. An election can be petitioned by five percent of the registered voters of the city. These certificates are issued on the authorization of the City Council. Repayment is based on the property taxing power of the city, utility system revenues, or a combination of the two. USER FEES - This method of financing requires the eventual user of each park to pay a fee for the use of each facility. Fees to be charged users can be established to pay for debt service, maintenance, and operation of the park system. PRIVATE OR CORPORATE DONATIONS - Donations from foundations, corporations, and/or private individuals are often used to acquire and develop parks. The city should constantly identify and pursue opportunities to receive such funding for parks. One avenue for receiving donations is through the use of the Texas Parks & Recreation Foundation. This foundation has been developed to help all communities in the State of Texas to maximize the benefits of donations of land, property, and money. PARKLAND DEDICATION ORDINANCE - It is recommended that the City of Paris establish a Park Land Dedication ordinance through the subdivision regulations procedures in the city. This provides a systematic means of acquiring land and/or fees in lieu of land in conjunction with the development review process. (Based on Paris' existing park land, it is recommended that fees in lieu of land be used rather than land.) The purpose of this dedication is to aid in insuring that adequate recreational areas in the form of parks and recreational needs are provided to meet the need created by new residential development. PRIVATE /PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS - The City of Paris should partner with private businesses or groups in order to acquire and/or develop parks. Partnerships can consist of different forms of joint funding, donations, construction or maintenance. Many partnerships consist of groups collecting money and paying for the construction of a park and donating the developed land to the city to own and maintain. The City of Paris should take any and all considerations regarding potential private partners. 7 , City of Paris Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan 2013 -2023 Page 44