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Chesapeake Beach approves water park fund budget after amendment, amid concern over opening date and revenue assumptions
Summary
Council approved Ordinance 0-26-13 (water park fund budget for FY 2026–27) after amending salary/benefits lines; members debated revenue estimates tied to a partial-season opening and the motion passed 4–2.
Chesapeake Beach Town Council voted to adopt Ordinance 0-26-13, the town’s water park fund budget for fiscal year July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, after an extended discussion over how much revenue to recognize if the park opens only briefly in FY27.
Staff said the budget model assumes a 72-day season with about 30% of those days occurring in FY27; council members pressed staff on whether the town should recognize projected summer revenue before permits and an opening date were certain. The town treasurer and administrator explained that many costs (insurance, some utilities) are incurred even if the park opens late, and that season passes and other advance sales are modeled on historical operations.
During debate the council approved a staff-recommended amendment to adjust administrative salaries, FICA, insurance and retirement line items (an $38,696 adjustment in the presented packet). After the amendment, the ordinance as amended carried on a recorded vote (amendment and final ordinance carried 4–2).
What happens next: The water park budget is in effect for FY27; staff will implement the spending plan and track actual revenue and days open. Council members asked for continued financial transparency and agreed to revisit projections if the opening date shifts.
