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Broadwater County parks board adopts bylaws, begins discussion of funding, staffing and strategic role
Summary
The Broadwater County Parks and Recreation Board accepted bylaws at its April 30 meeting and spent substantial time outlining its advisory role, potential funding mechanisms, and long-term staffing needs while planning a strategic approach to the county master plan.
The Broadwater County Parks and Recreation Board accepted a final version of its bylaws at the April 30 meeting and discussed developing a strategic plan, funding mechanisms and whether the board should pursue a part-time parks employee or continue as an advisory volunteer body.
"Having first and second, do we have any other further discussion before I okay. Those in favor?" Chair Jen Dalerpa said as the bylaws motion was finalized. The board approved the bylaws by voice vote with the three members present.
Board members said their primary role remains advisory: collecting public input on projects, serving as a liaison to the county commissioners and helping community groups access grant funding. Members discussed two near-term tasks: (1) using the soon-to-be-complete park master plan and the recreation survey to support grant applications, and (2) developing a conceptual plan for a future employee position and possible funding sources.
On staffing and funding, board members stressed limits on authority and resources. One board member observed, "Without a bankroll, it's hard to say, 'we can do this'" and noted several times that volunteers handle most maintenance now. Members suggested actions including: compiling a conceptual job description for a part-time parks coordinator, researching allowable local funding mechanisms (including lease revenue from county properties), and identifying grant programs and philanthropic contributors that accept a county master plan as supporting documentation.
The board also discussed revising bylaws or a future strategic plan to include city representation; the board currently has a nonvoting city liaison. Board chair Dalerpa said she would bring the bylaws to the commissioners for signature and placement on the May 14 agenda, noting that commissioners must sign the document because the board is advisory.
Why this matters: The board's approach to fundraising, grant pursuit and potential staffing will shape whether community projects can be maintained long term or remain volunteer-dependent.
Ending: The board asked members to collect comments on the master plan working draft in track changes and return them to staff; compiled comments will be addressed at a future meeting. The board scheduled its next meeting for May 19.
