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Conservation director urges marketing and equipment upgrades as park budget ask rises; board seeks $71,000 trimming
Summary
Conservation staff outlined a proposed rise in the parks department property‑tax ask driven by maintenance and capital needs; board members asked for a mix of revenue increases and expense reductions to shave roughly $71,000.
BB Hopkins (self‑identified) and other conservation staff told supervisors the parks and conservation budget request for FY26 would be higher than the prior year because of deferred maintenance, roadway work and equipment needs.
Hopkins said the department’s property‑tax request had been $393,000 in FY24 and the current proposal is approximately $571,000, citing park roadway maintenance, campground infrastructure and needed equipment upgrades as drivers. He noted one major capital item — upgrading campsites from 30‑amp to 50‑amp service — and replacement or upgrade of mowers and heavy equipment. For mowing efficiency, he proposed purchasing a diesel mower with a 72‑inch deck to reduce fuel and maintenance costs over time.
On revenue, Hopkins and staff said camping and cabin fees have trended up and that recent events (for example an ice fishing derby and an outdoor adventures event) produced higher attendance. They suggested improved advertising, targeting ZIP codes that historically produce visitors, and additional events as revenue levers. The parks reservation/online fees line has already produced roughly $19,300 this year and could be front‑loaded by early bookings.
Board members asked whether planned roadway maintenance funds (a $20,000 line) have planned uses; Hopkins said work is scheduled and that road repairs typically operate on an eight‑year cycle. Supervisors and staff discussed whether park improvement and operating lines matched expected revenue; Hopkins said some money carries forward when not spent, and pointed to deferred use in earlier years.
Given the size of the proposed ask, supervisors asked conservation staff to identify ways to reduce the FY26 property‑tax request by about $71,000 through a combination of increased revenues and reduced expenses. Hopkins said he would pursue targeted marketing, some expense adjustments and consider timing of capital purchases.
Ending: Supervisors asked conservation to return with a revised budget that narrows the gap by roughly $71,000; no final appropriation was adopted at the session.
