Recreation proposes level‑funded FY26 budget, new activities coordinator funded by revolving account

Melissa Sidipani Ruffo, Director of Recreation, presented the department’s FY26 operating budget and explained program changes intended to align supply with demand.

Recreation’s core operating budget is proposed as level funded for FY26. The department employs three full‑time staff and more than 70 seasonal staff for camps, waterfront and park operations. The new Activities and Program Coordinator position will be funded through the Recreation Revolving Fund rather than the General Fund; the director said the coordinator will focus on revamping offerings, improving use of the recreation center, and developing an after‑school program intended to leverage successful camp participation trends.

Ruffo described a camp reconfiguration: younger camper groups (pre‑K through grade 3) consistently fill every session, while older groups have lower registration. To meet demand and preserve cost recovery that supports operations, staff reorganized camp groupings and plan an expanded leader‑in‑training program to encourage older youth participation. She also noted a reduction in celebration and one‑time maintenance budgets because FY24–25 included several one‑time large expenses tied to the town’s 250th events and capital work.

Ruffo said the recreation revolving fund and program fees support most seasonal staffing and many program expenses; the department aims to keep core services self‑supporting where feasible. She also noted successful grants that funded ADA improvements at Nara Park and festival programming.

Ending: The Select Board and Finance Committee welcomed the program adjustments; staff will return with any additional budget refinements during the FY26 review.