Idaho Parks and Recreation asks JFAC to raise seasonal pay, consolidate programs and fund marina and maintenance projects

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation asked the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Oct. 24, 2025, to approve budget changes that would raise seasonal wages, consolidate two internal programs and fund capital projects including marina replacements at Heyburn State Park.

Janet Jessup, budget and policy analyst with legislative services, told the committee the department is allocated about 190.8 full‑time positions and that capital development is funded through one‑time appropriations rather than ongoing FTP. She said the department’s expenditures in 2024 were split across categories, noting about 41% of spending that year was capital outlay and roughly 17.5% was trustee and benefit payments to local partners.

Director Susan Buxton, director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, told the committee the agency wants to merge its management services and park operations budget programs to simplify accounting and management. “It really is a a ministerial request,” Buxton said, explaining the two programs often perform overlapping functions and the consolidation would “make it a lot easier for us to manage across the system.”

Why it matters: The department said the changes are meant to make budgeting and hiring more sustainable as visitor use and operating costs rise. The…