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Committee forwards hire of capital projects manager funded by King County parks levy
Summary
Parks asked to add a capital projects manager position funded by King County parks levy money; committee authorized adding the position and forwarding the item for council approval, while several members asked for clarity on continued funding past levy period.
Parks staff requested authorization to add a full‑time capital projects manager position in the Parks Department, paid from King County parks levy funds rather than the city general fund. Staff said the department is “drowning” in project workload and that the position had existed prior to 2008 staffing reductions. The request described the position as fully funded through levy revenues and related reserves and said adding the role would not impact the general fund.
Committee members probed funding duration and contingency plans (the levy term was discussed and described as expiring in 2025, with staff noting available levy savings that could fund the position through at least the remainder of the biennium). Some members urged caution because future levy renewals are not guaranteed; staff said they would be transparent about funding limits when hiring and that the position would be expected to pursue grant opportunities and other revenue sources to help sustain workloads. One member suggested contracting rather than hiring; staff said the department preferred an in‑house hire for continuity and grant writing capacity.
The committee voted to forward the authorization to add the capital projects manager (salary and benefits specified in the staff memo) to the April 1 city council business agenda for approval.
