Parks director reports capital work, volunteer expansion and $1.5 million in operating cuts

Summary

Parks and Recreation & Human Services Director Angie Fesser briefed the board on Q3–Q4 accomplishments including Mathe Ballinger Park improvements, expanded volunteer stewardship, program model changes and requested operating reductions totaling roughly $1.5 million; staff said additional cuts may be required depending on pending revenue items.

Angie Fesser, Edmonds’ Parks and Recreation & Human Services director, presented the department’s third- and fourth-quarter accomplishments and a summary of requested budget cuts at the Planning Board meeting on Jan. 8.

Fesser told the board staff had been asked to identify roughly $1,500,000 in operating reductions for 2025–26 and described program and staffing changes to absorb that reduction. She said the department also faces a proposed additional round of cuts if certain revenue items proceed, and she cited exact staff remarks: "another round of cuts coming... about $1,700,000 for this upcoming year from April through December and then another $2,000,000 the next year. That's provided the RFA passes and the lehi live lift passes in the fall. If neither of those do, we have other issues to deal with." The board and staff discussed the fiscal strain and contingency planning.

Highlights of accomplishments and changes Fesser described: - Capital projects: Mathe…

Parks director reports capital work, volunteer expansion and $1.5 million in operating cuts

Summary

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