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Parks and recreation pitch legacy-plan projects, a childcare site and enterprise-funded growth
Summary
JCPRD leaders told commissioners their 2027 proposal preserves the 3.023 mill rate, is roughly 55% non-tax funded, and includes purchasing a former Montessori site to create about 100 childcare slots, significant CIP work, and continued legacy-plan investments.
Johnson County Park and Recreation District leaders presented their proposed FY2027 budget on June 18, describing a mix of enterprise-funded growth, ongoing capital work and an acquisition intended to expand childcare capacity.
Jeff Stewart, JCPRD executive director, said the system serves millions annually — “over 11,000,000 visitors or participations” in recent reporting — and that the district is proposing a budget that remains 55% supported by non-tax revenue streams. “We respectfully request one full-time position within the general fund to be budgeted within the existing mill rate,” Stewart said, describing a requested senior park worker for maintenance of Camp Branch Park.
Stewart and Vice Chair Eric Hague outlined multiple capital priorities for 2027: phase 1 of Camp Branch Regional Park, phase 1b improvements to Theater in the Park, trail extensions and planning for Ernie Miller Nature Center improvements and Lexington Lake Park work. The district is under contract to acquire a former Montessori school site in northeast Johnson County; Stewart said the site would allow the district to serve roughly 100 to 120 additional children per day with childcare and arts programming, and that the purchase price is at appraised value and would be funded from enterprise funds.
On finance and sustainability, Stewart said the proposed budget keeps the JCPRD dedicated mill rate at 3.023 mills, including 0.646 mills for legacy-plan funding, and that about $11,000,000 of the 2027 budget will support earlier debt-funded projects. He also told commissioners legacy-plan funding stood at about 46% funded at the last update and that closing the gap at current rates would take many years.
Commissioners asked about KPIs, ADA project progress and the share of budget coming from non-tax sources. Staff said percentage fluctuations reflect use of reserves or enterprise fund timing. Commissioners and staff discussed foundation relationships, which are managed separately by a foundation board, and the district’s continued pursuit of grants and private donations to augment public funding.
The board thanked the JCPRD team and indicated support for continued collaboration on legacy-plan goals and, where needed, exploring additional funding options.
