The Angleton Better Living Corporation voted to use a 6% sales-tax growth projection when preparing the 2025–26 preliminary budgets for parks, recreation and the Angleton Recreation Center.

The conservative projection, which staff recommended at the board meeting, will be used to calculate the ABLC’s anticipated sales-tax revenue and the transfers that support the city’s general fund. "I would say 6 percent," said Susie, a staff member, when asked for a recommendation. A board member moved to adopt a 6% projection and another board member seconded; the board answered "aye" and the guidance was adopted.

Why it matters: the sales-tax assumption determines available contingency and the size of transfers from ABLC to the general fund. Staff presented three scenarios showing revenue at 7%, 6% and 5%, with contingency estimates tied to each. Under the 7% scenario the contingency line appeared just under $300,000; going to 5% would reduce contingency by roughly $50,000 and leave a smaller emergency cushion. Susie told the board that ABLC’s three-year trailing revenue growth has declined from earlier highs, and that "being conservative would be the best approach." The board said the percentage used by ABLC must be consistent with the general fund side because the sales-tax split affects both funds.

Discussion and related items: board members and staff discussed specific uses of contingency funds and raised a near-term request from the softball association. The association expects to host a national tournament and had assumed a sixth field would be available. Staff said the land transfer for the additional field has completed but that the construction cost would be substantial and not covered by this year’s contingency; staff estimated the cost to build an additional field could approach hundreds of thousands of dollars and would require further study and possible phased design. The board asked staff to discuss options with the association and to return with cost and schedule information.

Next steps: staff will present the formal budget guidance to the city council with the 6% sales-tax assumption and will return to ABLC with follow-ups on contingency allocations, the softball association’s request, and any project cost estimates.