Forum Discussion

Bama_bluejay's avatar
Bama_bluejay
Explorer
Apr 17, 2015

Alabama to close state parks.

Our governor has given an ultimatum to close several state parks next month and additional parks beginning in 2016. He's trimming down budget if he can't get his new tax increase passed.

I hope he's just using this as a scare tactic. Trimming state troopers, closing clinics that treat the mentally ill. The economic impact will be destructive to our state..

Guntersville state park is still in a recovery from the destruction of the 2011 tornado that really impacted that park. It not only has the campground it has a beautiful lodge, cabins, golf course, fishing, boating. The park is beginning to make a comeback. Really hope he gets things settled before he carries out his threat.
  • irishtom29's avatar
    irishtom29
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2015
    I find the notion that parks should make a profit an odd one, I think their purpose is to serve the public. And I'm willing to pay taxes to support parks.

    But what they do in Alabama is their business.
  • zigzagrv's avatar
    zigzagrv
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2015
    ken56 wrote:
    He didn't mention cutting HIS pay check did he? That's how they always do it, threaten to cut the stuff they think we can't live without, police, mental health care, fire fighters, and the fun stuff like the state parks. I say call his bluff. Let his party do this and see how the next election goes.


    "Governor Bentley promised the people of Alabama he would not accept a salary until the State reached full employment (5.2% unemployment). To date, Governor Bentley has never accepted a salary as Governor. Although, given the reduction in unemployment Alabama has seen over the past two years, he is getting closer to receiving a paycheck."
  • JoeH's avatar
    JoeH
    Explorer III
    Apr 18, 2015
    sdianel wrote:
    The reason given for the possible closures is that the 15 parks are not making a profit. Maybe the solution is outsourcing? Wonder how other states are doing? I think I'll check on Florida and see what's going on here. Here's an interesting article comparing 2 parks: http://www.perc.org/articles/tale-two-parks


    Florida SP's are funded in part by our doc stamps collected when property is sold so it doesn't hit us as an annual tax assessment. As the real estate market improves, more doc stamps collected and feed into the park system. Fees for entrance, camping and various activities are supposed to cover some of the ongoing costs.
  • sdianel_-acct_c's avatar
    sdianel_-acct_c
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2015
    The reason given for the possible closures is that the 15 parks are not making a profit. Maybe the solution is outsourcing? Wonder how other states are doing? I think I'll check on Florida and see what's going on here. Here's an interesting article comparing 2 parks: http://www.perc.org/articles/tale-two-parks
  • ken56's avatar
    ken56
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2015
    He didn't mention cutting HIS pay check did he? That's how they always do it, threaten to cut the stuff they think we can't live without, police, mental health care, fire fighters, and the fun stuff like the state parks. I say call his bluff. Let his party do this and see how the next election goes.
  • rv2go's avatar
    rv2go
    Explorer II
    Apr 17, 2015
    Sure hope that Gulf State Park is not on the list.

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