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Covington council hears parks maintenance shortfall; staff outlines costs and opts to study a parks district for 2026
Summary
Council reviewed detailed level‑of‑service spreadsheets for Founders, Jenkins Creek and the town center lawn; staff will return with seasonal staffing updates and consultant bids to scope a possible Metropolitan Parks District (MPD) public education plan for an August 2026 vote.
Councilors reviewed a detailed assessment Monday showing how park maintenance needs rise as new facilities open and the city’s recreation footprint expands.
City staff presented full‑time‑equivalent (FTE) analyses for Founders Park, Jenkins Creek Park phase 1 and the town center lawn that translate tasks — mowing, irrigation, restroom cleaning, litter pickup and horticultural care — into annual staff hours. The review identified gaps between current staffing levels and the level of service city leaders and staff recommended for the new facilities; staff said weekday and weekend restroom servicing at parks and construction of new facilities account for much of the additional work.
Parks maintenance supervisor Jesse (last name not provided) told council contracting some landscape beds and adding a seasonal restroom attendant or short‑term hires could reduce overtime and improve cleanliness during peak months. Staff said several short‑term tactics — a contractor for flowerbeds, rotating radar signs for temporary traffic tasks at events, and a seasonal hire for weekend restroom cleaning — could be implemented before considering longer‑term hires.
Councilors also discussed longer‑term funding. Staff outlined options for fronting maintenance costs through the general fund, using volunteers to augment a cleaned team, or forming a Metropolitan Parks District (MPD). An MPD is a voter‑approved property tax levy dedicated to parks and recreation; the city manager’s office presented two example levy scenarios and how much local property owners would pay under different initial rates. Council consensus favored delaying any MPD ballot until August 2026 to allow time for public education and to let the TBD and other recent tax changes settle.
Council directed staff to return with seasonal performance and costs for Founders and Jenkins Creek at the end of the summer and to begin planning an MPD public education campaign and consultant estimates for a possible August 2026 ballot. Council emphasized it wants clear before‑and‑after reporting to show residents where new funds are spent.
The council’s review comes as construction finishes at Jenkins Creek Park phase 1 and Founders Park phase 1 remains a newly active site. The parks maintenance study and level‑of‑service tables will be posted to the council packet and city website; staff said they will present a status update to council before the next budget cycle.
