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Parks leaders seek fee increases and debate a fourth turf field; commissioners urge caution
Summary
Recreation and parks staff proposed fee increases to stabilize the department's enterprise fund and discussed adding a fourth turf field; commissioners said one‑time fund balance can fund some capital but rejected committing to a new recurring facility without broader budget alignment.
Recreation and Parks staff presented a package March 5 of enterprise fund fee adjustments and capital requests, including grooming and maintenance equipment for synthetic turf fields and a proposal for a fourth turf field.
Director Art Shepherd said the enterprise fund had a $664,000 equity balance at June 30, 2018 but experienced pressures last year. Staff proposed modest fee increases for programs (detailed on pages circulated at the meeting) that county estimates would net roughly six figures and move the enterprise fund toward positive operations. Staff also described program‑specific assistance such as scholarship support for participants who cannot pay.
Commissioners discussed a proposed fourth turf field. Some members said an additional turf field—sited at a high‑use location such as Chancellor Park—would improve tournament hosting capacity and reduce wear on natural fields; others pointed out upcoming budget pressures, recurring maintenance obligations and competing CIP priorities. Commissioners signaled they were open to one‑time investments funded from available fund balance but were not prepared at the session to commit to a new facility that would involve larger recurring maintenance or operating needs.
Ending: Recreation and Parks will move forward with fee schedule updates and further refine turf‑field options; commissioners asked staff to bring firm quotes and operating‑cost projections, and to consider one‑time funding sources for nonrecurring equipment needs.
