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Shawnee County weighs short‑term loan from Gage Park sales tax fund to accelerate carousel and playground projects
Summary
Commissioners and staff discussed a possible short‑term loan against the Gage Park sales tax fund to start large projects—staff said the fund could show a small negative balance in 2026 under one plan—and clarified there is no firm outside deadline to vacate the current shelter house.
County staff and commissioners discussed whether to advance funding to Gage Park projects from county reserves so construction can start before annual sales tax receipts would fully fund the work.
Parks staff described a multi‑project plan including playground renovation and a carousel building renovation. Staff said the carousel project has timing sensitivity because camps and summer programming are planned in that location and that they would like the project completed before certain summer programming months. Parks and Gage Park Improvement Authority representatives said the authority has agreed to contribute $150,000 for design work but does not control schedule or authority to reclaim county property.
When asked about an outside deadline tied to the zoo’s interest in space, county counsel said the county ‘‘does not have a formal agreement to move out of the shelter house’’ and that prior discussions were informal requests from other parties rather than a binding date. The counselor added, “if you ask me if that's a hard deadline, I would say no. It is not. We control the deadline.”
Staff outlined a possible short‑term financing approach in which the county would effectively loan the Gage Park sales tax fund money from other county funds so projects can begin while sales tax revenue accrues. Staff presented an estimate of the fund’s cash flow that showed the fund holding roughly $3.5 million after current encumbrances at the end of 2025, then receiving roughly $2.0 million in 2026. Under the county’s project schedule, anticipated contract obligations in 2026 could push the fund briefly into a small negative balance if the commission authorizes an advance.
Commissioners discussed tradeoffs: moving funds forward would accelerate visible park work tied to the sales tax while temporarily lowering the fund balance and foregoing some interest earnings. Several commissioners asked staff to produce a memorandum of understanding that would set limits on how far the sales tax fund could be advanced, how repayments would be made and what interest would be charged. Staff also discussed lower‑cost temporary alternatives—such as renting modular space for summer programming—while projects proceed.
No formal approval for a loan or bonds was made at the session. Staff said they would return with options, revised cash‑flow estimates and an MOU template for commissioner consideration.
