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Property committee approves Parks & Recreation 2026 budget; proposed mower amendment withdrawn
Summary
The committee adopted the Parks & Recreation Department’s recommended 2026 budget, approved a new recreation and program manager position request, and heard but withdrew a motion to increase a capital line for a zero‑turn mower after discussion.
The McLean County Property Committee approved the Parks and Recreation Department’s recommended fiscal year 2026 budget and discussed operational items including a proposed new recreation and program manager position and equipment purchases.
Administrator Taylor presented the Parks budget and said total budgeted revenue for the department is $544,350, with the largest revenue sources being campground fees and boat registrations. The committee heard plans to buy additional kayaks and canoes, replace shelter roofs, add security cameras, and install campground equipment and fire rings.
Parks staff requested one additional full‑time position, a recreation and program manager (grade 10), to increase FTEs from five to six; Administrator Taylor said the total cost including fringe would be $71,006.39. The committee discussed expectations for the role and methods for tracking return on investment in programming and attendance.
During the budget discussion Member Tompkins moved to increase the capital line for a zero‑turn mower from $30,000 to $36,500 (fund 0001‑0040‑0042, capital assets line 850.0001). Vice Chair Layman seconded the motion, but after staff explained that mower prices have risen (staff cited comparable government pricing around $34,500–$36,500 for preferred diesel models) and after committee members suggested staff could locate funding within the budget or pursue state procurement discounts, the mover withdrew the motion and the second was withdrawn. Staff said they believed they could locate the difference in the department’s budget if needed.
Committee members also praised recent Parks projects: a newly installed playground, security camera work, electrical upgrades at the campground, fence repairs at the sewage treatment plant, and the upcoming Fall Colors Family Day event on Oct. 18. Staff reported the sewage treatment plant project is complete and that seasonal maintenance and events will wind down after the October event.
The committee approved the Parks & Recreation 2026 recommended budget. The committee also discussed procurement and capital scheduling as part of five‑year planning and the pending master plan update for the Route 66 trail area; staff said the consultant‑driven master plan update will include committee engagement.
Ending: The adopted Parks budget funds operations, small capital purchases and one new full‑time position; staff will return with procurement and program metrics as projects and hires advance.
