Kaiser City Council approves $1.2M for park improvements and Gold Star Memorial Project

The Budget Committee meeting for the City of Keizer, Oregon, held on May 12, 2025, focused on several key topics related to the city’s budget and funding allocations, particularly concerning park services and improvements.

The meeting began with discussions on the timeline for budget preparations, emphasizing the need for clarity on when specific reports would be available for review before voting on the budget. Committee members expressed concerns about ensuring equitable water fees, particularly regarding the parks fee included in water bills. The conversation highlighted the importance of adjusting fees charged to large retailers compared to residential customers, ensuring fairness in how these fees contribute to the parks fund.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the park services fund, which is primarily supported by system development charges (SDCs) from housing developments. The committee noted that while single-family and multifamily developments contribute to this fund, commercial properties do not. The discussion included updates on ongoing projects, such as the turf fields at Keizer Rapids Park and the pickleball courts, which have been funded through this account. The committee acknowledged the challenges in utilizing these funds due to restrictions on eligible projects.

The meeting also addressed the upcoming phase of the turf fields project, which is expected to be funded through a combination of state grants and ARPA funds, with a total project cost estimated at approximately $1.185 million. The committee expressed optimism about the funding and the benefits these improvements would bring to the community.

Additionally, the committee discussed the Gold Star Memorial Project, which is being funded by a state parks grant of $84,200. This funding source was clarified to ensure transparency in the budget.

As the meeting concluded, the committee voted unanimously to approve the park improvement fund as presented, signaling a step forward in the city’s commitment to enhancing its park facilities. The meeting underscored the importance of equitable funding and the strategic use of available resources to benefit the Keizer community.