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SALEM - Concerned about finances, Parks Commissioner John Panezott said they can't "survive" without the 1-mill renewal levy that will be on the November ballot.

The millage generates about $160,000 a year for operating expenses and is one of two levies the department operates on. The current levy expires on Dec. 31 of this year.

"We have no alternative," Panezott said, "it's either that or the parks don't operate."

Commissioners held little discussion on the issue and Parks Director Steve Faber said he wasn't expecting to discuss it. Panezott expressed additional concern about getting the renewal passed if the city's proposed half-percent income tax increase is also on the ballot.

He said he will speak with the parks and recreation committee chairman, Councilman Earl A. Schory II, about the levy. Commissioners voted 2-0, with commissioner Terry Hoopes arriving late, to approach city council on the renewal in November.

In other business, Panezott noted the new fountain lights in the Waterworth Memorial Park duck pond "look real nice," while noting the fountains, by circulating and aeriating the water,"seems to be clearing it up."

He also suggested the nature trail in the park needed some attention after the heavy rain last week.

"It's starting to get some gullies," he said.

Panezott also said he had two calls commending the parks on the fountains, but received a complaint regarding the Centennial Park wood, castle play area where fence slots were getting kicked in.

He said there was also profanity being used and people are out there after midnight and would speak to the police about it.

Commissioners also discussed the the leaking roof on the Orashan Memorial Civic Center building.

"There are some problems," Panezott said, adding they need a quote on a new roof first before anything else can be done.

Faber said Waterworth Memorial Park is ready for the "Relay for Life" event this weekend, noting the organizers "have been a pleasure to work with."

He also said the library in the park, known as "Page 2" was running "smoothly" and has drawn attention, but with projected state budgets cuts he said, "this program is in jeopardy."

Also, Foreman Jim Grimm said the Stagecoach at Waterworth Memorial Park has been set out but not completed. In spite of that, Grimm said, "We were working on it all day and people were getting on it all day."

He also advised commissioners that the annual plants were in, Pavilions 1 and 2 in Centennial Park had grass planted and cleaning up continued.

Recreation Director Delores Rogucki said the men's summer basketball league at night has started in Centennial Park and noted this Saturday the park hosts the 21st annual arts and c rafts in the park.

Larry Shields can be reached at lshields@salemnews.net