Proposed 2026-27 Budget

Overall Budget Summary

The Proposed Budget includes 57.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, including negotiated salary and benefit increases. Appropriations total $20,738,432, funded by revenues of $10,530,049, a General Fund Contribution of $6,713,088, a District Sales Tax Contribution of $2,000,000, and Other Fund Contributions of $1,495,295.

The Proposed Budget reflects mid-year position changes in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 that added 1.0 FTE Recreation Coordinator and 1.0 FTE Parks Maintenance Worker to meet growing operational needs. Total expenses of $20,738,432 reflect a net decrease of $950,051 from the previous year. The decline is attributable primarily to the removal of three one-time state-funded planning grants totaling $2,091,242. Underlying operating expenses increases of $1,141,191 are led by negotiated salary and benefit adjustments of $1,193,016 million and rising property and liability insurance charges of $662,912. Insurance-related charges have increased more than 80% over the past three years and now represent more than 10% of total departmental expenses, reflecting the County’s multi-year plan to stabilize the Liability and Property Fund and restore reserves to target levels. These increases are partially offset by other various reductions across maintenance services, consultant contracts, and administrative expenses.

Total revenues of $10,530,049 million reflect a net decrease of $380,002 from the FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget. The decline is attributable primarily to the removal of one-time state grant revenue associated with three completed planning grants totaling $2,091,242. Growth in several revenue streams partially offsets this decrease, including the introduction of a pay-to-park pilot program at high-use regional parks projected to generate $260,000 annually, along with aquatics and recreation fee adjustments totaling $407,500. CSA 11 benefit assessments also increase, supporting core Parks operations. The current Measure F parcel tax rate of $8.50 per taxable parcel generates $344,855 in assessment revenue for CSA 11. The department continues to pursue expanded assessment options to reduce long-term reliance on the General Fund for parks operations.

The net result of the Proposed Budget is an overall net decrease of $570,049.

Vegetation Management, Climate Change, and Wildfire Risk: Growing vegetation management needs to reduce wildfire risk and maintain safe park conditions increase operational demands. Service impacts include prioritization of hazard mitigation over other maintenance activities. In out-years, unprecedented growth and climate conditions are expected to further increase workload and costs, doubling and tripling the amount of vegetation that will need to be cut and removed.

Increasing Utility Costs: Rising utility costs across park facilities, including water, electricity, and other services, increase operating expenses. In FY 2026-27, Parks will limit usage where possible to manage costs, and utility increases are expected to be offset by operational reductions. Service impacts include reduced discretionary funding for programs and maintenance; some turf areas will no longer be irrigated and will become unusable for recreational purposes. In out-years, utility cost escalation is expected to persist at a disproportionate rate, particularly as climate conditions increase demand for water and energy.

Deferred Maintenance Backlog: A growing backlog of deferred maintenance across parks and facilities requires sustained investment to maintain safe and functional assets. Without dedicated funding, service impacts include increased risk of facility closures, reduced service levels, and accelerated facility deterioration. To help address this challenge, Parks will launch a Pay-for-Parking pilot program in FY 2026-27 at high-use regional parks, projected to generate $260,000 annually in recurring revenue directed toward park maintenance and operations by establishing a preliminary $5.00 daily and $50.00 annual parking pass with discounts available for public assistance recipients. In out-years, the pilot's effectiveness and expansion potential will inform broader revenue strategies; however, even with this new revenue stream, sustained investments and enhanced funding sources will be required to manage the backlog without continued service stagnation.

Capital Investment Needs: Increased housing and development will accelerate the need for capital improvements, including park development, infrastructure upgrades, and accessibility enhancements, while current demand already far exceeds available funding. Service impacts include delayed projects and limited ability to expand or improve services. In out-years, capital needs are expected to grow as facilities age and community expectations increase.

Outdoor Access and Community Well-Being: Parks and open spaces face increasing demand driven by growing awareness of the mental and physical health benefits of outdoor activity, the social isolation effects of digital-age lifestyles, and an aging County population with distinct recreational and accessibility needs. In FY 2026-27, these trends increase pressure on programming capacity, facility accessibility, and maintenance at high-use sites. In out-years, sustained investment in age-accessible infrastructure, health-oriented programming, and equitable access will be required to meet community needs without reducing service quality.

Artificial Intelligence in Park Operations: Emerging artificial intelligence (AI) tools offer the department new capabilities in areas such as trail monitoring, park attendance analysis, maintenance scheduling, and grant writing support, but realizing these benefits requires staff training, system integration, and alignment with the County's evolving AI governance framework. County Parks will monitor countywide guidance and pursue targeted AI adoption where it demonstrably improves service delivery and operational efficiency.