Parks department reports stronger revenue and cost recovery through July; pools closed early, splash pads stay open

Parks and Recreation staff told the board that revenue through July is running ahead of budget and ahead of the same period in 2024, and that cost recovery for recreation operations has improved. Finance staff reported an increased unencumbered cash balance of roughly $1.4 million, up from about $1.2 million at the same point last year. Staff said expenditures on recreation were lower than in 2024 through July and that athletics revenue had increased as programs geared up for the season. On aquatics, staff said fixed pools generally closed with a weekend-only schedule after the usual closing date and that splash pads would remain open through the end of September. "It closed yesterday. The splash pads will still be open through the, end of, September," an aquatics staff member said. Staff also said some scholarships for lessons were provided through a Red Cross donation and other local funding, and that the department expects cost-recovery figures to rise as fall programs and reimbursements are processed. Board members asked whether lower park expenses reflected staffing changes or efficiency gains; staff attributed at least part of the reduction to not paying staffing for one program as much as in the prior year and to steady but not outsized pool operating costs. No new fees or budget reallocations were proposed during the discussion excerpt provided. Less-critical details: staff noted one pool had closed and that pier and pool administration costs remain part of year-end accounting; no formal action was taken beyond accepting the monthly financial report.