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NCPRD warns of $414,000 shortfall for FY 2026–27; staff testing 18¢ local option levy
Summary
North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District staff told the DAC on May 13 that the proposed FY 2026–27 budget leaves a $414,000 shortfall without cuts and that, unless new operational revenue is secured, the district could hit a fiscal cliff around 2031–32; staff are polling an 18¢ per $1,000 local option levy as a preferred near‑term solution.
Cali Gandner, finance supervisor for the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District, told the district advisory committee on May 13 that the proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget shows a roughly $414,000 gap the district would need to close to avoid using beginning fund balance.
“This line shows the $400,000 deficit we are addressing in the fiscal year 26‑27 proposed budget,” Gandner said, adding that the district has been building a 10‑year forecast to show how revenues and expenses interact over time. She said rising utility and labor costs and stagnant property‑tax capacity are primary drivers.
Why it matters: NCPRD’s primary ongoing revenue source is property tax; the district’s permanent tax rate was set in 1990 and has not increased. Staff and the Trust for Public Land advised that, without new operational revenue, the district will face continued cuts to programs, maintenance and hours and could reach a fiscal cliff in about 2031–32 that would force facility closures and service reductions.
District staff and their consultant from the Trust for Public Land presented options including a capital bond (not suitable for operating needs), a permanent tax‑rate reform (complex under state law and historically unsuccessful here), and a five‑year local option levy. Aaron Real, NCPRD project manager for the funding effort, said the feasibility work and staff analysis led them to recommend testing a five‑year local option levy.
“We have an opportunity to look at a permanent solution. That sounds great. However, in the state of Oregon, for a special district like NCPRD, that's a really complicated process,” Real said. Trust for Public Land polling is underway; staff said the levy currently being tested in the poll is 18 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.
Staff emphasized tradeoffs and next steps: the budget committee will review the proposed budget on May 26 and the board of directors is scheduled to consider adoption in June; polling results and next funding conversations will be discussed at a special DAC meeting on June 10. Officials also described cost‑savings steps being pursued in the proposed budget, including fee adjustments, program reductions, operational efficiencies and delayed hiring.
What the staff said about reserves: Gandner explained contingency (a portion accessible through supplemental budget action) and reserves (funds set aside and more restricted). She noted contingency policy typically targets about 5% of operating expenditures and reserves about 10%, and that presentation charts in March used districtwide percentages that differ from the general fund view shown at the DAC meeting.
Next steps: The budget committee review is scheduled for May 26; staff will share the Trust for Public Land polling results on June 10 with the DAC and recommended public engagement and outreach will follow if the levy shows viable support.
