Pasco County commissioners confront $500M‑plus parks funding gap, move to pursue parks MSTU and targeted projects

Pasco County commissioners spent their March 17 workshop grappling with a widening gap between the county parks system's long‑term capital needs and available funding.

County parks director Keith Wy told the board the county's 2015 master plan and the 2022 impact‑fee study still guide project lists, but material cost inflation and additional project scope have pushed the program to an estimated $530–$550 million — more than double older estimates. “We used a lot of that information to build the request to the general public for the GO bond…we pretty much have that fund spent down as of now. I think there might be a million and a half left from the 20,” Wy said, describing the 2018 GO bond proceeds and current balances.

Why it matters: commissioners heard staff projections showing mid‑term deficits in every impact‑fee zone unless the county changes strategy. Staff proposed a multi‑pronged approach: (1) prioritize concurrency‑tied projects already in the capital plan, (2) pursue ELAMP (Environmental Lands) acquisitions through established processes, (3) seek federal/state grants and disaster (DR) funding for hardening or resiliency upgrades, (4) form school‑partnership pilots to expand playable field capacity, and (5) bring forward options to create and seed an all‑in parks MSTU to provide recurring capital and operating revenue.

Board reaction and direction: Several commissioners expressed support for an all‑in parks MSTU to protect and grow park funding. Commissioner Waitman said he favors an “all‑in” model that funds maintenance and capital growth; Commissioner Mariano and others urged pairing any new millage with clear, district‑level project commitments so every area sees tangible benefits. The board asked staff to prepare MSTU scenarios (startup costs, district allocations, and projected millage), to return with prioritized capital starts that could be advanced quickly, and to brief one‑on‑one with commissioners on district needs.

Key projects and constraints: Staff highlighted projects by impact‑fee zone: West (Anklo River Park redesign, Newport Corners), Central (Conner/Conton District Park), and East (VOP super park, Two Rivers/Bob Thomas Memorial District Park, Date City Recreation Complex). Wy emphasized practical constraints: impact‑fee rules restrict which existing park elements are eligible for fee funding, debt service from prior borrowing constrains cash flow, and many projects require complex permitting (boat ramps, floodplain crossings) that can delay construction. He also warned that some projects such as VOP were not originally included in the impact‑fee study, limiting use of those revenues without a formal ordinance change.

Staff also answered cost‑control questions. Commissioners pressed whether specifications (e.g., masonry concession buildings, premium playgrounds, underdrained tournament fields) could be right‑sized or use prefabricated metal buildings to reduce costs. Wy said the county is testing procurement options — including construction manager at risk (CMAR) and stricter scoping — to lock prices and reduce surprises.

School partnership pilot: Staff proposed piloting county investment to upgrade school athletic facilities (lighting, turf, security) to obtain shared use after hours and increase playable field inventory without buying new land. Wy estimated an example project at roughly $4 million and emphasized lights and security as major added costs.

Anklo River and trail access: The board also discussed replacing a removed pedestrian bridge in Starky Wilderness/Anklo River to restore trail connectivity and public safety access; staff noted crossing the floodplain raises permitting and design cost implications.

What comes next: Commissioners asked staff to return with concrete proposals: MSTU scenarios (including an initial startup/capital rate and a model for lowering the rate once capital projects are delivered), prioritized projects by district the board can advance immediately, and a program for pursuing state/federal hardening funds and ELAMP acquisition priorities. No votes or formal motions were taken at the workshop.

The county will advance design procurement (RSQs) for top projects and continue one‑on‑one briefings with commissioners on district priorities.