Columbus Park Board reviews 2025 finances, approves transfer for tennis resurfacing and elects 2026 leaders

At its Feb. 10, 2026 meeting, the City of Columbus Park Board reviewed the 2025 preliminary Park Fund financial report and approved several organizational and financial items.

City Administrator Jack Davis presented the preliminary financial report prepared by the director of finance and said a funds transfer of $10,294.18 will be made to the Park Capital Fund to cover tennis court resurfacing costs. Davis noted several operating expenditures for 2025 ran higher than anticipated, including portable toilet rentals (partly reimbursed by FLAFA for a tournament), motor fuels and gasoline, and repairs and maintenance costs related to a portable fuel transfer tank, trash receptacles, tree replacement and playground mulch. Capital expenditures in 2025 included dead tree removal, the tennis courts resurfacing project, purchase of a 2025 Ferris zero-turn mower and a 2026 Mission 6.5' x 12' tilt trailer.

Davis said revenue for 2025 included property taxes, reimbursements from FLAFA, higher-than-expected field reservation and picnic shelter rental income, two parkland-dedication fees, an energy rebate, aluminum recycling and interest earnings. He added that future revenue is expected from a property sale and parkland-dedication fees associated with a proposed 200-unit building, expected in late 2027. Soil borings at Hidden Park found undesirable soil, but staff reported a mound septic system could be installed if the site is developed.

On organizational business, board members nominated Brad Norling as the 2026 chair (motion by Kris King, second by Andrea Messina) and Andrea Messina as 2026 co-chair (motion by Kris King, second by Norling); both nominations were approved unanimously. The meeting concluded with the board setting its next meeting for May 19, 2026, and adjourning at 6:43 p.m.