Trustees debate board size and timeline as parks-department separation from county remains unresolved

Trustees and staff discussed the possible future separation of the parks department from county administration, the need for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to manage any transition, and whether the board of trustees should expand from five to seven members to increase capacity and reduce quorum risk.

Parks staff said they have had preliminary conversations with county IT and other departments and do not foresee an immediate, complete separation; staff suggested a phased transition with an MOU and time to address phones, computers, copiers and office space. Staff said the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will have to decide on budget and timing for any separation and that previous conversations in 2021–22 concluded not to pursue separation at that time.

Several trustees urged accelerating the transition away from commissioner trustees and increasing citizen representation. Some trustees argued a seven-member board would provide broader representation and resilience when members recuse themselves or are absent. Other trustees said it would be preferable to appoint five engaged members first and then let them decide whether to expand. Trustees noted that prior advisory boards had varied between five and seven members historically and that recruitment and quorum had driven changes.

Trustees also discussed timing of officer elections and whether officers should be elected at the first meeting of the calendar year; staff said county legal advised that trustee appointments and officer schedules will be determined in coordination with the BOCC and that some trustees may remain county commissioners acting as trustees until appointments are finalized. No formal change to board size or bylaws was made; trustees requested staff and the BOCC continue the discussion and return with options for an MOU and appointment timeline.