Council declines immediate general-fund backing for inclusive playground; asks parks commission for formal approval

Park staff told the Greenwood City Council the inclusive-playground project is substantially funded through a parks-department commitment of $275,000, nearly $500,000 raised by a local nonprofit and a $100,000 pledge from Farmers Bank to be paid over 10 years. Staff asked the council for up to $100,000 from the general fund to bridge timing and cash-flow needs ahead of a mandatory price increase in December.

Council members expressed concern about committing general-fund dollars amid a multi-item budget discussion. Finance staff warned about deficit-spending constraints and the risk of promising future revenue that is not yet in hand. Tom Marsh, discussing municipal finance and liabilities, reminded council members that municipalities generally cannot promise funds they do not currently have, and that relying on multi-year pledges could present a cash-flow risk.

Because the parks commission had not yet recorded a formal vote on the resolution and council members wanted a clearer breakdown of which components would be purchased now versus delayed, a council motion to adopt a resolution contingent on parks-commission approval was moved and seconded but failed for lack of majority. Councilors who opposed immediate action said they supported the project but preferred the parks commission's formal approval and clearer budget detail before the city commits general-fund money.

Parks staff and volunteers were praised for their fundraising work; council members asked staff to bring the item back after the parks commission acts and with a more detailed funding and cash-flow plan.

Next steps: staff will seek formal parks-commission approval, attempt to secure early pledge payments where possible, and return to council with a clearer funding plan before December price increases.