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Board reviews parks budget: staff levels, recreation-coordinator vacancy and $5,000 program line
Summary
Board members reviewed the parks department budget, discussed staffing levels (budgeted for five to six positions), confirmed parks funding comes from the general fund, and noted a $5,000 recreation-programs line reserved for supplies that is currently unused after the coordinator resigned.
At its Feb. 12 meeting the Alpine Parks and Recreation Board reviewed the parks department budget for fiscal years 2023'24 and 2024'25, focusing on staffing, funding sources and a small program fund intended for recreation activities.
Board members were shown a budget that lists roughly $552,375 for parks operations. Staff identified about $375,000 of that figure as human-capital costs for salaries and related expenses. Megan confirmed the parks department is funded from the city's general fund, composed of sales tax, property tax and franchise administrative fees.
Board members asked about staffing levels. David, the parks foreman, said the department currently has "5 total" employees and noted the budget is written to show a sixth position as budgeted but not filled. The board discussed the recreation coordinator position: the city budget includes a small line (account 0731) of $5,000 intended to pay for supplies and start-up items for recreation programs (kickball, swim teams, basic supplies). Those funds remain largely unused after the prior recreation coordinator resigned; staff said they are interviewing applicants for the vacancy and that the new hire would have discretion to use the program funds once hired.
The board reviewed other budget items board members had raised previously: a $9,000 line discussed for park signage (roughly 24 signs) and the relationship between grants and operating funds. Staff reminded the board that grant revenues are reported separately and cannot be used to cover normal operating expenses unless specifically authorized.
Staff also explained the department's limited revenue streams. Megan noted park-generated revenue is small and comes primarily from two sources: civic-center rentals and pool admissions. The bulk of parks operating costs are covered by the general fund.
Board members discussed how knowledge of the budget could inform requests to council for projects that require appropriations, noting that many volunteer-driven ideas require funding to proceed. Staff encouraged board members to coordinate with their council liaisons when proposing tasks that would require budget changes.
No formal budget adjustments were adopted at the meeting; staff will continue interviewing for the recreation coordinator, track the 0731 program line and report back to the board on recruitment and any recommended reallocation of program funds.
