Gahanna Parks Board reviews draft 2026 budget, flags line-item questions

The Gahanna Parks Board reviewed the draft 2026 budget during its regular meeting, pressing staff for explanations of several large line‑item changes and asking for follow-up detail before the packet goes to city administration. Board members focused on increases in taxable revenue for golf operations and rising camp participation, a request for higher materials and supplies tied to a planned senior center move, a large uptick in street‑tree contract spending, and an omitted utilities figure for Hunters Ridge Pool.

Board member Jan Ross and others asked why the projected increase in taxable sales for golf was so large compared with corresponding expense increases. A staff member said the revenue rise reflects “a larger volume of individuals who are utilizing the course,” adding that increased retail sales do not necessarily raise staffing costs because “that doesn't change an…