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Committee signals support to pursue York County Parks Foundation; staff to return with founding-board plan
Summary
The York County Health and Environmental Protection Committee on June 4 asked staff to pursue establishment of a county Parks Foundation, research seed funding and potential founding-board members, and return to the committee and full council with a proposed plan and timeline.
The York County Health and Environmental Protection Committee on June 4 signaled support for staff to pursue the creation of a standalone York County Parks Foundation and to return with recommendations on founding board members and start-up funding.
Presenter (parks staff) told the committee the National Association of Park Foundations advised that filings typically require at least three founding board members and that staff has drafted bylaws and articles of incorporation to begin the process. “We have to have 3 founding board members,” the Presenter said, noting the board should include fundraising, financial and parks-recreation expertise.
Committee members asked how the foundation would relate to county government and who would appoint the initial board. One Committee member said council should be briefed individually before a public vote and suggested the county divide representation across the county’s municipalities. Presenter said foundations are usually separate 501(c)(3) entities that operate at arm’s length and often have a staff liaison to coordinate priorities but not to direct the board.
On funding, the Presenter described initial filing and startup costs as modest but did not give a final number; staff agreed to research seed-money scenarios (including private donors and employer contributions) and to report back. “If we have a substantial amount of money, you gotta file your tax,” the Presenter said, and added staff would survey peer counties — including Rock Hill and Charleston County — for models and initial five-year budgets.
The committee asked staff to meet one-on-one with council members, gather examples of peer governance and funding approaches, and return to the committee with a proposed list of three founding board members and a recommended seed-money plan for referral to full county council. Presenter proposed returning to the committee in July or early July/August after the Fourth of July holiday with follow-up homework and recommended next steps.
Next steps: staff will gather seed-money estimates, sample bylaws and appointment options, and return to the committee for a possible referral to full county council.
