Johnson County parks ask commissioners to back 2026 budget emphasizing non‑tax revenue and capital projects

Jeff Stewart, executive director of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD), presented the board‑approved proposed 2026 JCPRD budget on behalf of the JCPRD board and staff, asking the Board of County Commissioners to continue funding operations and planned capital work.

Stewart told the commission that JCPRD finances roughly 50% of its annual budget through non‑tax revenues — “double the rate” of the national average he cited — and that a 2024 citizen survey showed 90% of residents rate JCPRD successful in its mission to “enrich the Johnson County community through excellence in parks, recreation, culture, education, and public service.” He said the 2025 budget used roughly $8.5 million of reserves for capital projects and the enterprise fund used approximately $7 million of reserves for capital in 2025, reducing 2026 expenditures as one‑time uses of reserves drop out of the baseline.

The 2026 proposal includes no new property‑tax‑supported staff positions after an earlier request for 1.45 FTEs was later removed; enterprise‑funded positions (3.75 FTEs) were proposed to support facilities and children’s services and — Stewart said — would be covered by fees and not ad valorem tax support. Stewart described specific enterprise fund requests as a director of building maintenance, an early childhood specialist and a children's services support specialist, plus conversion of part‑time roles to “partial plus” positions supporting theater productions.

Stewart highlighted recent capital and program accomplishments: a Heritage Park Lake renovation that dredged about 176,000 cubic yards of sediment and added deep‑water fish refuge and wetland features; a Mid‑America Sports Complex renovation that produced an estimated nearly $19 million in annual economic impact and netted more than $200,000 in its first full year of operation; expansion of out‑of‑school programs that served an additional 500 children and led to a three‑year renewal with Olathe USD that negotiated reduced lease rates for Title I schools; and ongoing natural‑resource seed harvest, volunteer engagement and accreditation achievements (100% of 154 standards passed by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies).

Stewart and staff told commissioners that rising construction costs have pushed some projects above estimates — citing the recent Kill Creek Park trail bid — and that the Legacy Plan is currently funded at roughly 46% of identified needs; the plan analysis indicated a one‑mill levy increase would fund about 97% of the 15‑year plan. Stewart and commissioners discussed a future joint study session to coordinate children’s services and partnering agencies to address childcare demand and waiting lists. On fee policy, Stewart said JCPRD studies market conditions annually, adjusts fees incrementally to remain affordable, and maintains a scholarship assistance program for residents who cannot pay full fees.

Commissioners praised the district’s results and asked for more detail on children’s services and KPIs. Stewart said staff track maintenance and safety inspections — including certified playground inspection staff — fleet and equipment inventories and a park maintenance management plan, though some operational checks are not displayed on the budget KPI printouts. He also said the enterprise fund covers specific new positions so the county’s general fund is not increased for those roles in 2026.

Stewart closed by noting $10 million will service previously debt‑funded projects that accelerated delivery to the public and requested consideration of continued funding for the Legacy Plan and capital priorities tied to public demand and economic impacts.

Ending: Commissioners did not take a vote on the budget in this presentation; they asked staff to provide revisit list items ahead of revisit sessions and signaled interest in a joint study session on children’s services and the Legacy Plan.