Delta County board approves using parks fund balance to buy playground equipment ahead of grant reimbursement

Delta County commissioners on Nov. 4 approved temporarily using parks fund balance to secure playground equipment so the county can preserve a 100% supplier match and an impending EGLE grant.

A county commissioner moved that the board transfer $162,597.12 from the parks fund balance to purchase the equipment now, with the intent that the parks fund be reimbursed when the EGLE (state) grant is processed. The motion carried on roll call.

County administration told the board the EGLE grant application is in its final processing stage and staff had spoken with a grant administrator who said, according to county staff, “Those funds are yours, so we will supply them to you.” Administration said the county has sufficient park fund balance to advance the purchase and that doing so preserves the 100% match that doubles the county’s purchasing power for playground equipment.

Commissioners discussed accessibility and surfacing options. Staff said the supplier’s equipment meets ADA regulations but is not fully ADA-compliant for all play elements; the parks manager added smaller, accessible pieces and noted the surface choice (rubber, wood-composite, sand) affects cost, maintenance and accessibility. Installation of the equipment is expected in spring 2026; county maintenance will prepare the site and the supplier will perform final installation.

Staff also told the board the parks five-year recreation plan surveyed residents and that playground upgrades were a top priority. The board approved the purchase to avoid losing the supplier match and agreed parks staff should update the parks commission at its next meeting.

Next steps: administration will proceed with procurement per the board motion and then seek reimbursement from the grant when funds are released.