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Council weighs scaling park project to preserve funds for merit raises
Summary
Councilors and staff discussed whether to fund the proposed park at $800,000 or reduce the scope to $700,000 to free money for employee merit increases; staff said the park plan can be scaled and grant applications are pending but not guaranteed.
Councilors and staff debated trade-offs between a large parks investment and funding employee raises during the Montgomery workshop on July 13.
A presenter explained the park plan shown in the packet was a full-scope rendering and could be scaled back if council prefers a smaller appropriation. "I brought a full plan... so maybe staying on this is the first pass," the presenter said, adding that a reduced budget would still produce meaningful improvements.
Mary Anne, who presented budget details, described using surplus funds to cover park costs in the draft budget and said the city has applied for at least one grant that would cover 50% of the project if awarded. "We have a couple of grant applications right now, but don't gamble on that," the presenter cautioned.
Council members raised design questions — whether to replace the volleyball court footprint with pickleball courts, how to manage maintenance (sand for volleyball vs. court upkeep), and where to site courts to avoid conflicts with children and playground areas. One councilor asked whether sidewalks and other smaller items might be prioritized if the budget is tight.
Staff said $800,000 is the current sticker price, that they can make substantial improvements at $700,000, and that they will bring pricing and a guaranteed-maximum estimate for council review in August alongside other capital exhibits.
No binding decision was made at the workshop; staff was directed to return with refined cost options and to continue pursuing grants and community feedback.
