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Park board approves staff-recommended update to parkland dedication fees; staff says fees comply with state law
Summary
The Dallas Park and Recreation Board voted to authorize staff recommendations to update parkland dedication fees; staff said the recommended rates are within the state-law maximum tied to median family income and that the fund balance is about $14 million with limited property acquisitions to date.
On March 6 the Dallas Park and Recreation Board approved a resolution supporting staff-recommended updates to the city’s parkland dedication fee schedule.
The board voted by voice to authorize staff to proceed with a parkland dedication fee update. Board member Fudicki moved the item; board member Crane seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote; a roll-call tally was not provided in the public record.
Staff described the recommended fee schedule as an increase from previous fees that is fully compliant with state law. During discussion staff said the state law sets a maximum of 2 percent of median family income for some development categories. Staff said their recommendation uses a 2% maximum for two categories and 1% for other categories, and confirmed repeatedly that the recommendation falls within the state law threshold.
Board members asked how the parkland dedication fund has been used. Staff said the account balance is approximately $14 million and that the department has used funds in limited instances — for example, to acquire 1 property in District 13 and to purchase a lot across an aquatic center in another district. Staff also said that the balances in many parkland zones remain too small currently to acquire property, and that the department plans to let fees accrue until a zone has sufficient funds to act within the 10-year window the ordinance allows.
The board’s discussion included requests for clearer public messaging on why the fee increase is proposed and how accumulated funds are being used. Staff said the recommended fees were discussed with the development community and with the city’s planning committee prior to bringing the item to the board.
Provenance: The Parkland Dedication item was discussed and voted on during the consent/individual items portion of the March 6 meeting; staff answered questions about the proposed rates and fund balance during the public discussion.
