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Richmond council advances grant, donation and workforce ordinances and approves a special appropriation
Summary
Council unanimously advanced three parks-related housekeeping ordinances — authorizing grant applications and acceptances, donations solicitation and participation in the EARN workforce program — and approved Resolution 10, a special appropriation to amend the 2026 budget; most votes were voice votes during the meeting.
Richmond — At its March 2 meeting the Richmond City Common Council advanced three administrative ordinances related to parks and approved a special appropriation resolution that adjusts the 2026 budget.
Ordinance No. 13, 2026 is an appropriation ordinance that authorizes the parks department to submit, accept and appropriate grants from various sources. Park Superintendent Denise Ratz told council that the ordinance is a routine, "living document" the department updates annually so it can apply quickly when funding becomes available; some grants do not require local matches.
Ordinance No. 14, 2026 authorizes the city to receive and solicit donations for parks, programs and events and was advanced to second reading after a motion to suspend the rules. Council moved the item into public hearing as part of the second-reading process; no members of the public spoke against it.
Ordinance No. 15, 2026 authorizes participation in the Employment Aid Readiness Network (EARN) program, which the parks department has used in prior years to help seasonal staff; staff said the total program amount can vary depending on individual eligibility and that past years saw up to eight participants. Council advanced the ordinance to second reading and placed it on public hearing; no opposition was recorded at the hearing.
Separately, the council passed Resolution No. 10, 2026, a special appropriation amending the 2026 budget, after the finance committee reported support. Several motions to engross and call the question on the ordinances were carried by voice votes recorded by the clerk.
What happens next: Ordinances 13–15 will return for a formal vote following public-notice requirements at their next readings; the parks department will continue to seek grants and donations and to orient staff for potential EARN participants.
