Forest Park DDA adopts mostly flat FY2026–27 draft budget after financial briefing

The City of Forest Park Downtown Development Authority voted May 28 to adopt its draft budget for fiscal year 2026–27, after a financial briefing that showed revenues slightly ahead of plan and a positive net position.

Senior accountant Tony Lamar told the board that “total revenues year to date is 3.58 million versus a budget of 3.49 million,” and that expenditures year to date were about $531,000 — roughly 15% of the budget — leaving the authority with a roughly $3 million positive net position. He also noted the April monthly spend was about $19,000.

Director Rochelle Dennis described the FY2026–27 draft as “relatively flat” compared with last year and said most revenue comes from the authority’s PILOT payments, rental income from authority properties (including the East Street house and a Forest Parkway plaza), and modest event revenue. Dennis told the board staff proposed modest increases for training and conferences and set aside funds for infrastructure and adaptive‑reuse concepts for two authority‑owned parcels.

Jay Evans moved to approve the FY2026–27 budget; Dr. Bambi Hayes Brown seconded. The board approved the motion; the transcript records one member saying they opposed during the voice vote but does not include a roll-call tally in the record.

Next steps identified by staff include continuing work on property reuse concepts with architects and engineers and returning to the board with more detailed proposals tied to capital planning and procurement timelines.

The board reflected the adoption in the meeting minutes and moved on to other agenda items.