HomeMy WebLinkAboutWORKSHOP re Parks and Rec services & funding Department of Public Works
0 Regular Agenda
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Jefferson County
Board of Commissioners
Agenda Request
To: Board of Commissioners
Josh Peters, County Administrator
From: Eric Kuzma, Public Works Director
Agenda Date: March 23, 2026, 10:45 A.M.to 11:45 A.M.
Subject: Parks and Recreation Services and Funding
Statement of Issue:
The General Fund transfer to Parks and Recreation (Parks& Rec)was reduced by 25%($249,689)for
2026.An additional$100,000 in LTAC funding was awarded with the intention to partially offset this gap
but expenses outside of Parks& Rec control, including insurance, utilities, and interfund transfers,
absorbed almost this entire amount($99K). The department is now required to reduce services and
action is needed to determine how best to minimize impact. Public Works staff will present analysis,
answer questions, and seek a motion regarding how to proceed.
Analysis/Strategic Goals/Pro's&Con's:
Public Works believes that to address the funding shortfall, strategies that reduce expenditures,while
minimizing impact to the community, should be prioritized. Each of the strategies to be proposed carry
specific trade-offs that require careful deliberation. Parks& Rec can no longer request mid-year General
Fund appropriations for unexpected issues and are already operating in a "lean"capacity.The proposed
strategies will help to bridge the budget gap in 2026,and perhaps in 2027, but without a longer term,
reliable funding mechanism, Parks& Rec will be faced with additional future cuts.
Fiscal Impact/Cost Benefit Analysis:
Public Works staff have completed detailed budget analyses for each strategy for the remainder of 2026
as well as 2027. While the Parks& Rec service reductions will help balance the General Fund budget,
they will unfortunately come at the expense of significant cuts to programs and facilities.The
fundamental consideration in the cost benefit analysis is that Parks& Rec provides immeasurable,
equitable health, economic,environmental, and community benefits at an extremely low cost.
Basketball courts provide a healthy outlet for the County's youth, HJ Carroll Park supports families and
attracts employees, county campgrounds stimulate local recreation economies, recreation programs
prevent chronic disease;the rec center provides free childcare so kids can stay safe and parents can
work; intermural recreational soccer and basketball leagues are affordable inclusive and irreplaceable;
and parks protect the environment and preserve open space. As part of the late-2025 budget discussion
Parks& Rec previously presented similar cost saving strategies but were told to maintain programs and
facilities despite the significant budget cuts. If BoCC action is delayed for too long, Parks& Rec reserves
could fall below statutory minimums in 2026.
Department of Public Works
O Regular Agenda
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Recommendation:
Consider information,analysis,and options and determine how to proceed.
Department Contact:
Matt Tyler, 385-9129
Reviewed By:
1,•! p.m 3/18/2026
J•sh Peters,County Administrator Date