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Perris council approves reserve withdrawals for Morgan Park, Fossefield Park with condition to repay half of future DIF receipts
Summary
The Perris City Council authorized withdrawals from general fund reserves to fund Morgan Park renovation and Fossefield Park expansion and adopted a substitute condition that half of future development impact (DIF) fees received will be used to reimburse the general fund.
The Perris City Council on Dec. 10 approved using general fund reserves to pay for two park projects and added a condition that half of future development impact fees (DIF) received will reimburse the general fund.
City councilors voted unanimously to withdraw $2,900,000 from general fund reserves for the Morgan Park renovation and $1,100,000 for the Fossefield Park expansion. Council members recorded “yes” votes from Councilmember Rapp, Mayor Pro Tem Rita Rogers, Councilmember Nava, Councilmember Malcolm E. Corona, and Mayor Michael M. Vargas.
Councilmember Rapp raised concern that tapping reserves for the projects could deplete funds and proposed that receipts from future DIF fees be used to reimburse the general fund over time. After discussion, the council adopted a substitute motion to proceed with the withdrawals with the understanding that 50 percent of DIF fees received going forward will be returned to the general fund to offset the withdrawals. A council member seconded the substitute motion and the body approved it by roll call.
Supporters on the dais said the projects are necessary to improve city parks and noted cost increases in construction and labor that prompted the use of reserves. One councilmember cited timing concerns for the Fossefield Park project because ARPA funds have spending deadlines and emphasized that those funds influenced the project schedule.
Councilmembers also discussed competing park needs across the city; one member specifically asked that Patriot Park be prioritized when reimbursed DIF funds become available.
The council approved the consent calendar motion covering items 10a and 10d–10p (with 10b and 10c pulled for comment and amendment) and recorded the separate vote on the substitute motion that amended the funding terms for 10b and 10c.
The council did not set a specific reimbursement schedule in the substitute motion beyond the 50 percent guidance; staff were directed to apply the condition to future DIF fee receipts. No additional implementing ordinance or timeline was adopted at the meeting.
