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Parks director reports record revenue and discusses pricing, Ag Park growth and possible Great Hall acquisition
Summary
Parks staff reported generating more than $14 million in revenue this year, noted an operating budget near $24 million with an estimated $10 million gap largely from payroll, and discussed venue pricing, Ag Park performance and a potential acquisition of a Great Hall that would require mayoral and County Commission approval.
Committee members heard a year-end report from Parks staff that the department generated over $14,000,000 in revenue this year, marking the department’s strongest year, and that the operating budget has grown to nearly $24,000,000 with an estimated budget gap of about $10,000,000 primarily driven by full-time and part-time salaries and benefits.
Gordon summarized the department’s results: "We generated over $14,000,000 in revenue this year, which is our greatest year yet," and said that the department now has a benchmark from the Ag Park to measure future performance. He told the committee the department recorded almost $800,000 at the Ag Park this year.
Members discussed whether the county should raise facility rental rates to narrow the budget gap, noting that nearby Franklin’s new Bicentennial Park charges substantially higher rental fees for some venues. Staff cautioned that raising rates can lower occupancy and affect users who are price-sensitive, and said the department looks at competitor pricing while considering clientele differences.
Gordon also described plans related to the county’s Great Hall and a possible acquisition of the “castle” from private owners; he said the mayor-elect and County Commission would need to be involved for any purchase or change of operations. The Renaissance Festival was cited as a model for a public-private revenue-sharing structure that could support acquisition and operations.
The meeting concluded with brief notes about staffing changes, marketing a newly posted schedule on the county website, and adjournment.
