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County staff warn of $1.6M parks revenue shortfall; board approves up to $2M contingency support and KPMG review
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Summary
The Regional Parks Fund is projected to end the fiscal year with a $1.6M revenue shortfall driven by reduced camping/day‑use and emergency repairs; the board approved staff’s recommendation to allocate up to $2M from general fund contingencies and directed a long‑term funding and performance review.
County executive staff told the Board of Supervisors April 7 that the Regional Parks Fund faces a multiyear trend of operating expenses outpacing revenue and now projects a current‑year revenue shortfall of roughly $1.6 million and an unfavorable variance of about $1.9 million.
The staff report cited multiple contributing factors: operating revenue (camping and day‑use fees) at 48 percent of budget for the year to date, a revenue loss estimated at $200,000 from the Gifford fire, and $256,000 in unplanned professional services for emergency park repairs. Staff said prior one‑time infusions related to disaster and pandemic recovery masked the multi‑year trend.
To mitigate the forecasted shortfall, the executive office recommended approval of up to $2 million from general fund contingencies for Fund Center 305 at year end. The office also asked for direction to pursue a long‑term funding strategy, and described a planned financial, organizational and operational review of Parks and Recreation as part of the KPMG initiative.
Supervisor Gibson supported the staff recommendation and asked staff to examine ways to increase revenue—marketing parks to visitors and improving recreational offerings—alongside operational efficiencies. The board approved the staff recommendation by roll call vote.
What’s next: Staff will allocate contingency funds at year end as needed, bring a scope of work for a KPMG performance review and return with long‑term operational funding and cost‑recovery options for the department.
