Waukesha parks board backs largely flat 2026 operating budget; OKs meeting calendar

The City of Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry Board on Monday unanimously recommended the department—s proposed 2026 executive operating budget and approved its 2026 meeting schedule.

The recommendation to forward the budget to the finance committee passed on a motion by Steve Johnson, seconded by Sarah Roth, and a unanimous vote by board members present. The board also unanimously approved the department—s proposed 2026 meeting dates on a motion by Eric Hummer and second by John Schmitz.

The budget presentation, led by Ron (Director, Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department), described the department—s operating request as essentially flat. "Our overall budget is truly flat," Ron said, noting the department—s general fund request is down about 0.7% year-over-year while meeting the city—s financial management program targets.

Why it matters: The board—s recommendation sends the department—s spending plan to the city finance committee for a final funding recommendation and then to the full council, where adoption was scheduled for Nov. 4, according to meeting remarks.

Budget priorities and program highlights

Department staff walked the board through major strategies that shaped the 2026 proposal: increased use of volunteers, expanded contractual services, growth of self-supporting special revenue funds, investment in technology and an emphasis on partnerships and sponsorships.

Ron and division managers emphasized volunteers as a cost-saving and service-expansion tool. The department reported roughly 37,000 volunteer hours valued at more than $1 million and proposed moving the volunteer coordinator position from part time (20 hours per week) to full time to manage growing demand.

Pools and cabana pilot

Mark Thomps…