Commission recommends approval of Parks & Recreation FY26–27 financial plan; commissioners press on allocated costs, forestry funding and golf reserves

The Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Commission on April 23 voted to recommend approval of the department’s proposed financial plan for fiscal years 2026–27, following a detailed presentation from Business Manager Tina Nelson and discussion with department leadership.

Tina Nelson, the department’s business manager, summarized the two‑year plan as including the general fund operating budget, a capital program and the golf enterprise fund. She told commissioners the department proposes general fund expenditures just over $28 million for FY26, with a net general‑fund subsidy of roughly $19.29 million after projected department revenues. The Recreation Division’s proposed revenue budget is described in the presentation as just over $6 million in FY26 and nearly $6.5 million in FY27; Parks Division revenues are shown at just over $2 million per year.

Nelson said the department proposes to rely on about 85 full‑time and 235 part‑time employees, and noted rising costs that affect the budget including a planned 10% water‑rate increase effective July 1 and inflationary pressures on supplies, fuel and chemicals. She also summarized the capital program, which includes ongoing projects and…