Idaho Parks and Recreation requests seasonal pay raises, consolidation and capital work as deferred maintenance winds down

The Joint Finance Corporation Committee heard testimony from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation on agency staffing, one-time capital needs and a request to consolidate two budget programs for fiscal 2026.

Janet Jessup, budget and policy analyst with legislative services, told the committee the Department oversees Idaho’s 30 state parks and trail systems and was allocated 190.8 full-time positions for fiscal 2024. She said capital outlay made up about 41% of the department’s fiscal 2024 expenditures and that a large 2023 appropriation for deferred maintenance produced a multi-year spending pattern as projects carried across fiscal years.

Why it matters: The department manages parks that are widely used by Idaho residents and local governments, and the budget changes proposed would affect seasonal staffing levels, ranger pay, and scheduled replacement of major park infrastructure.

Jessup summarized the agency’s 2026 requests, noting two targeted enhancements: raising seasonal employee pay from $12 to $15 per hour and a tiered ranger compensation program to relieve compression for longer‑tenured staff. She also highlighted capital outlay requests including improvements at Bear Lake Fish Haven and Lake Cascade and said the governor’s recommendation…