Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Beavercreek parks department warns of $400,000 shortfall; senior center hours cut Aug. 29
Summary
Beavercreek parks staff told the Parks, Recreation & Culture Board on Aug. (reported at the meeting) that rising costs and a failed 0.49-mill levy have produced roughly $400,000 in capital shortfalls, and announced an immediate reduction of senior center evening and Saturday hours.
Beavercreek parks staff told the Parks, Recreation & Culture Board on Aug. (reported at the board—meeting) that inflation and a failed 0.49-mill levy have produced roughly $400,000 in cumulative capital shortfalls over 2024—26 and will force program and service reductions, including reduced senior center hours beginning Aug. 29.
At a meeting with the board, Erin, parks staff member, said the shortfalls break down to about $250,000 for 2025 and another $150,000 projected for 2026, and added, "That $400,000 represents about 13% of our budget." The division is planning to balance the gap by eliminating remaining capital funding, pursuing increased revenue from fees and revenue-generating programs, and reducing or eliminating some community events and maintenance operations.
The most immediate operational change announced by staff is a reduction in senior center hours. "Starting August 29, the senior center will operate Monday through Friday from 9AM to 4PM," Erin said. Staff said the change removes evening hours (previously Monday—through Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings) after a part-time evening employee resigned; staff cited difficulty filling the role and the risk of hiring someone only to lay them off when deeper 2026 cuts take effect. The department estimates the change will directly affect about 100 of roughly 2,600 senior center members; staff said programmed daytime activities and the center—transportation program are not affected, nor are full-time senior center staff.
Board members and staff emphasized the department is attempting to spread any future cuts across many programs to lessen concentrated impacts. Erin said staff will draft the 2026 budget over the next month, meet with the city manager and finance in early October, and that city council budget work sessions are tentatively scheduled for Nov. 17 and Nov. 19. The city council is expected to approve the 2026 budget at the council meeting in December. A public town-hall on city finances is set for Aug. 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Beavercreek Golf Club; a recorded version will also be available on the city—YouTube page.
Discussion vs. decision: the senior center hour change is an operational staffing decision announced by staff (direction); it was not adopted by formal board vote because the board lacked a quorum and skipped approval of the agenda and minutes. The meeting record notes the board did not hold votes due to lack of quorum.
Clarifying details: staff described the budget shortfall as approximately $250,000 in capital for 2025 and $150,000 for 2026 (combined $400,000); they estimated that equals about 13% of the parks division budget. The senior center serves about 2,600 members; the evening-hour reduction affects about 100 members. The 2026 budget schedule: draft over next month, staff review with city manager and finance in early October, council work sessions Nov. 17 and Nov. 19, council approval at the first December meeting.
Ending: Staff asked the public and board to attend the Aug. 27 town hall or watch the recorded presentation if they want more detail on city finances and potential 2026 changes.
