Summary of May 13 budget meeting
May 15, 2025
The BPRD board of directors and the budget committee met with staff on May 13 to review and consider the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. A video recording of the meeting is available by request.
The budget represents the board’s and community’s fiscal priorities for the upcoming12 months of operations based on these long-range plans, which support the district in achieving its vision and mission.
The budget anticipates $50.3 million in revenues and $75.4 million in expenditures for total budgeted requirements of $118 million, which includes contingencies and reserves. This budget supports 301 full‐time equivalent (FTE) employees for $27.6 million and has $36.2 million in capital spending.
The district’s main sources of funding are property taxes, charges for services (user fees) and System Development Charges (SDCs). Revenues for the district are expected to decrease by $1 million, a 2.2% decrease over last year’s budget due to less grant funding for capital projects.
Expenditures for the district’s proposed budget are projected to increase by $21.9, a 29.1% increase compared to last year’s budget. The increase is mainly in capital spending on large projects such as the purchase and remodel of the new Park Services Shop Complex and planned projects in the System Development Charges fund such as the Art Station.
“This year, we find ourselves in a strong financial position, and we are making strategic decisions to ensure we maintain this excellence in the future,” said Kristin Toney, administrative services director, in the proposed budget summary document. “Budget conditions are more constrained as we have grown over years and decades, so we are having to make harder choices when prioritizing our funding resources for the upcoming fiscal budget year.”
Our greatest asset: staff
The changing economy, district growth and board priorities influence the FY2025-26 budget. Costs associated with staff (650+ people) make up three quarters of the general fund budget.
These costs have increased an average of 3.4% this year, including for a cost-of-living adjustment, merit increases, healthcare benefits, PERS and Paid Leave Oregon. In addition, BPRD budgeted compensation and pay equity studies to occur on FY26 to ensure the park district is competitive in the job market.
Taking care of what we have
Maintenance expenses include costs, such as gas, tools and other materials help defer larger repairs, provide the level service targets, and aid in safety. This year’s budget has funding in the General fund for regular maintenance, and the Facility Reserve fund has larger projects including replacing the Larkspur Park playground and the start of the Juniper Swim and Fitness Center pool roof replacement project.
Removing barriers to participation
The scholarship program and inclusion support services have continued to grow over the past several years, which is a testament to staff’s efforts to eliminate barriers to participation. However, the funding levels have reached a maximum point where more alternative funding is needed to match the general fund contribution.
This will be the first year with the newly implemented scholarship expenditure cap of 6% of budgeted recreation revenues. The district is implementing several additional changes to the scholarship program with the goal of controlling the escalating expenditures over the past several years.
The budget and tax rates were approved by unanimous motions by the board of directors and budget committee.
The next board of directors meeting is June 3.
