Lime Hollow News
Support Lime Hollow's Cortland County Budget Request!
Our summer camps are winding down. Our meadows and trails are slowly changing from green to Goldenrod. Our resident ducks, geese, and other favorite bird species are beginning their ageless migration southward… Yes, the signs of summer’s end are plentiful here at Lime Hollow. But for us, autumn’s arrival brings with it signs and activities far less pastoral: A new fiscal year and a new budget season.
The good news? As we approach fiscal 2011 (starts Oct. 1), Lime Hollow remains in the black – thanks to several recent grants, ever-appreciated donations like yours, and several consecutive years of growth in our summer camp revenues (now contributing over 40% of our operating budget -- and climbing).
Just the same, we need your support – in the form of writing your legislator about why you love Lime Hollow.
You see, like us, our County is right now planning its budget for the coming year. And while we fully recognize that governments at all levels are faced with much-reduced revenue in these recessionary times – we also know dollars will nevertheless be made available We are equally sensible to the notion that the most successful, vital, and vocal non-profit service providers will secure shares of those albeit limited funds.
Mind you, Lime Hollow is -- thankfully -- not entirely dependent on Cortland County funds; last year, we received just $5,833 (or 2.4%) of our budget from the County (and only on very rare occasions, such as our new Visitor Center campaign, do we receive State or Federal funds). Nevertheless, a modest line item in the County budget makes a big difference out here. And if we are to continue to maintain our quality trails, infrastructure, and programming – which all of Cortland County benefits from, typically at no cost! -- we need the County to support us.
Fortunately, our chances with the County increase if YOU take the time to write to them about why you believe Lime Hollow deserves to receive some of your tax dollars.
- Tell them you appreciate our year-round, free-of-charge network of trails.
- Tell them you value our low- or no-cost public programs (FishingFest, Snake Night, Creatures the Night, ArtFest, among others).
- Tell them you are a parent or grandparent whose child spent some time at our summer camps this year... learning about nature, getting dirty, and soaking in the fresh air and sunshine!
- Tell them whatever it is you love about Lime Hollow...
But, please, take this time to let them know Lime Hollow matters to you.
Meantime, thanks for your time and support of Lime Hollow!
Glenn Reisweber, Executive
Resources:
- List of our current Cortland County Legislators, by district – and their email addresses
- Our recent budget presentation to the County Legislature, which expands on the value LHCEC provides to Cortland County
Did you know? Cortland County is only 1 of 3 counties in New York State that does NOT have a State Park? Given the fact that we provide many of a State Park’s services (except camping and swimming) at a tiny fraction of what the State and other Counties pay for their parks ~ that’s quite a bargain!