Huntington Park council debates parks budget, Dodger grant and pay for part‑time staff

At a special operating‑budget meeting, Huntington Park city council members spent more than two hours on Parks and Recreation funding, questioning program line items, the city’s use of a Dodgers-sponsored grant and whether part‑time and non‑represented parks workers receive livable wages.

Council members said the department’s revised proposals reduced some previously large line items but left open questions about equity and service reach. Several council members urged the city to prioritize wages for non‑represented and part‑time parks staff to reduce turnover and improve program continuity.

Why it matters: Parks programs reach a visible portion of young people and seniors and are highly public. Council members said they want scarce general‑fund dollars targeted where they serve the greatest number of residents and to stop creating program “winners and losers.” At the same time, staff said some grants — and their reporting requirements — limit what the city can spend.

Most budget specifics and who pays Finance staff clarified the largest specific grant discussed. "The Dodgers grant is for $34,560," Finance Director Jeff said; according to Jeff’s…