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Parks budget rises to $3.3M; city adds tree crew positions and capital projects but commissioners press for more park rangers
Summary
Commissioners heard that the parks operating budget rose from $2.7M to $3.3M for FY2024–25, funding eight new positions (including a third tree crew), increased street-tree operating funds and several capital projects; some commissioners urged stronger action to increase park-ranger staffing.
Parks staff told the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission on Aug. 26 that the parks operating budget for fiscal year 2024–25 increased from roughly $2.7 million to about $3.3 million, enabling additional permanent positions, equipment and capital projects.
Linda Herman said the city approved eight new permanent positions for parks operations and maintenance and described capital projects that include Big Chico Creek erosion work and upgrades to Upper Park parking. "We asked for a 10.5% total increase for O&M and we received 8 new permanent positions," she said. Herman said capital spending and staffing increases account for a substantial part of the increase.
Urban Forest Manager Ritchie Bamlett said the Street Tree operating budget rose from $1.9 million to $2.3 million, funding a third tree crew and a $65,000 contract increase for North Valley Arbor Management. He also noted acquisition of a new lift to manage taller trees in-house, which should reduce outsourcing costs.
Herman and Bamlett outlined several projects: corridor pruning funding increases, a $100,000 allocation for Sycamore Pool maintenance (concrete repairs rather than full reconstruction), a Big Chico Creek erosion project under review, and a hazard-mitigation grant for Lindell Channel that includes planned goat grazing and vegetation treatments (grant funds must be spent by November 2025).
Several commissioners pressed staff about park-ranger staffing and how Measure H revenues are being used. Commissioners said residents expected more rangers after the revenue measure; Herman said the budget includes funding for three park rangers (approximately $538,000) and that two sworn rangers are currently active while recruitment continues for the third. "We have the 2 sworn now... they are working 7 days a week," she said. Commissioners suggested a formal letter to City Council or other advocacy to secure more ranger resources.
Staff said some budget items were conservatively phased awaiting final measure outcomes and that additional positions could be added during the year if funding allows.
Next steps: staff to continue deploying new tree-crew resources, pursue capital project designs and provide updates on ranger recruitment and implementation dates for parking-kiosk installation and road repairs.
