Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission extends free access to community building through 2026, allocates up to $39,000 from fund balance
Summary
Following a presentation on visitation and staffing costs, the commission voted 3–1 to keep the community building open for the remainder of 2026 using up to $39,000 of fund balance; staff estimated the annual cost to continue free access in 2027 at $69,000.
Parks, Recreation and Culture interim director Lindsey Hart told the commission the community building has recorded 6,830 visits from January through May 25, 2026, and that maintaining the current open, no-charge format for the rest of 2026 requires an estimated $39,000 for part-time staffing. Hart said continuing similar service levels in 2027 would require about $69,000 annually and identified accessibility and safety work: a permanent exterior ramp at the north entrance (funded with $75,000 from MSO and $75,000 from PRC) and a longer-term effort to relocate the elevator to the front of the building (estimated near $1,000,000).
Commissioners debated short-term funding and longer-term policy. After public testimony urging free access and concern about fees pricing out regular users, Vice Mayor Courtney moved to keep the community building open through the remainder of 2026 and to use up to $39,000 of fund balance to cover the expense; the motion carried 3–1 (Commissioner Devel voted no). The commission deferred a decision for 2027 and asked staff to include options in the upcoming manager's budget.
