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Scappoose parks budget leans on grants; $400,000 Main Street match and $1M grant sought
Summary
Parks staff told the budget committee the department's FY2026 plan centers on grant-funded capital to improve amenities and accessibility; a $400,000 grant for a Main Street project requires a 30% cash match and a separate potential $1 million grant would support larger construction if awarded.
Parks staff told the Scappoose budget committee on May 12 that the department's FY2026 operating budget is roughly $3.21 million and that the capital program relies heavily on successful grant awards.
Why it matters: The parks program is funded from the general fund and dedicated park savings; if large grants are not awarded, staff said many projects would be delayed or require larger draws from reserves.
Key details: - Budget and grants: Parks operations were presented at approximately $3,210,408. Staff said the city has applied for multiple grants and has included over $2.4 million in grant requests in the FY2026 budget. Among items mentioned, a $400,000 Main Street/Main-Street-branded grant would require a 30% cash match (shown in the draft as $120,000). Parks staff also described a separate potential $1,000,000 grant tied to a construction project. - Matching and timing: Staff said the city's ability to proceed with specific park projects is contingent on grant awards and on whether matching funds are available from general-fund reserves or other local sources. - Capital priorities and donations: The department cited donated property and identified a list of capital needs, including ADA improvements and playground upgrades. The city has also been setting aside park savings and budgeted $100,000 annual contributions to park savings, bringing the park savings balance closer to planned match needs.
Discussion and next steps: Committee members asked staff to confirm grant timelines and matching requirements and to ensure that capital projects include final cost estimates before committing reserve funds. Staff said if grants are not awarded, many projects will be delayed rather than funded from unrestricted reserves.
Ending: Parks improvements and parkland projects are a priority in the FY2026 proposal, but their execution is contingent on grant awards and the council's prioritization during final budget adoption.
