Recreation seeks budget space for possible summer-camp facility rentals and restores part-time cleaner role

Becky Cotter, Brighton's recreation director, asked the town to approve contingency funds and a modest staffing change to ensure programming continuity in 2027. She said the department added a $10,000 facility-use contingency in the playground camp and farmers market budgets in case the Brighton Central School District sites are unavailable next summer.

"I did include that as a budget item for next year. It may not be needed. If we don't need it, we won't be using that money," Cotter said. She also asked to reinstate a part-time midday cleaner to handle touch-ups and facility maintenance during program hours, arguing the position is critical for day-to-day operations and to prevent deterioration between events.

Cotter highlighted that the department leveraged Monroe County ARPA funds this year to expand special events and keep camp programming affordable, and she said seniors' fitness programming benefited from grant-supported free offerings. The board acknowledged these pressures and said budget staff will incorporate contingencies into the larger town budget deliberations.