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3 Rivers Park District presents $78.1M 2026 budget; board accepts published budget
Summary
3 Rivers Park District leaders presented a $78.1 million 2026 budget including a $55.4 million general operating fund and a proposed 4.8% property tax levy increase; the county board accepted the published budget and noted a December final levy approval date.
Superintendent Bull Carlson and incoming finance director Sean Hamilton presented the 3 Rivers Park District's 2026 budget to the Hennepin County Board on Nov. 18, describing recent capital milestones and proposed operating changes.
Carlson highlighted the September opening of the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park redevelopment — a $35 million reconstruction of visitor and maintenance facilities — and described strong visitation and expanded nature‑education programming the district runs with county support. The presentation also covered trail projects, intergovernmental partnerships, and outreach programs that provide fee assistance to qualifying residents.
Hamilton outlined 2026 numbers: a $78.1 million total budget, a $55.4 million general operating fund (an increase of about $2.1 million, mostly for staffing), and a proposed 4.8% property tax levy increase that the district estimates will add roughly $5 annually to an average suburban household's tax bill. He said about 80% of the district's costs are staffing and cited other pressure points such as liability insurance and the new Minnesota Paid Leave program (the district is covering 50% of the paid leave cost and asking employees to cover the remainder).
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about staffing, program delivery, accessibility, and partnerships; they praised the Mississippi Gateway project and the district's emphasis on stewardship and outreach. Carlson said the district's final levy will be scheduled for approval Dec. 18, pending county processes.
What's next: The board completed the statutory review and accepted the published Park District budget; the district will finalize its levy schedule and return for formal approvals required by statute.
