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FY26 keeps parks, library and marquee events after CRA funding shift; library and program line items increased
Summary
The proposed FY26 general fund budget maintains parks and recreation, library and key community events previously funded by the CRA; it adds $50,000 for elementary-school programming and increases the library books line by $50,000 to offset delivery and cost increases.
City Administrator Faye Johnson said the FY26 proposed general fund budget preserves a range of quality-of-life programs while absorbing some activities the CRA no longer funds.
Johnson said several marquee events that the CRA stopped funding will continue in some format under the general fund proposal, including the Northwest quarterly events (BBQ Blues & Brews, Winter in Paradise and Nights in Northwood) and funding for the kickoff opening of the historic Sunset Lounge. She told the commission staff is working through event details and formats but that the proposed budget provides funding to continue the activities.
On libraries and youth programs, Johnson explained the budget includes an additional $50,000 for the city’s elementary‑school education grant (about $50,000 annually) and added $50,000 for library books. She said the library director asked for $25,000 and staff increased that to $50,000 because delivery and other costs would otherwise leave insufficient funds for new books.
Johnson also described modest quality‑of‑life staffing additions (roughly $310,993 in above‑base requests for parks, recreation, libraries and housing/community development) and explained a portion of a new HCD finance-manager position is funded from grants so the general-fund impact is limited (about $50,000 of the position in the General Fund).
Commissioners asked for detailed line‑item breakdowns for economic development, small-business support programs and other highlighted items; Johnson agreed to provide those figures and circulate the slide deck and follow‑up material before upcoming work sessions.
