Park district approves 2027 budgets, faces projected shortfall of at least $16,000

The Coulee Area Park and Recreation District on Friday approved its 2027 operating budget and a separate budget for submission to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, while warning that expected revenue may fall short of operating needs by at least $16,000.

The larger budget gap - about $48,970 - reflects the district's preferred service level, including an estimated $50,000 for maintenance needs and $15,000 in potential ballot costs. Those figures are estimates, not commitments to spend the full amounts.

Under the more constrained scenario, the district expects a deficit of about $16,047, even if it receives projected lodging-tax funding from Electric City and Grand Coulee and holds two softball tournaments. The district projected $13,000 from Electric City and $7,000 from Grand Coulee.

Treasurer Brad Oliver's budget presentation estimated the district would begin 2027 with about $5,100. Board members said they want to reserve some available money for ballfield improvements, including work to shape and improve the infields.

One possible source of additional funds is nearly $29,000 in past electric bills the district says the Bureau of Reclamation is obligated to reimburse under its agreement. The money was not included in the budget because reimbursement is uncertain. Local attorney Amanda Burton has offered to help draft a letter pressing the bureau to address the claim, board members said.

District leaders also plan to continue seeking a meeting with the bureau about a future management agreement. They do not expect bureau funding in 2027 and are considering other ways to manage the shortfall, including fundraisers, additional tournaments, volunteer work or adjustments to the maintenance schedule.

The district budgeted $30,000 for its current maintenance contract with Vital Essentials, while estimating total maintenance needs at $50,000. If funding remains tight, the district could potentially adjust the timing or scope of work, in other words let the grass grow longer.

The board appointed Jennifer Dineen to fill position No. 2, which became vacant when Ian Turner resigned. Turner said he was stepping away because of increased responsibilities with another organization. Dineen recently moved to the area and described her background in education and school leadership.

The board also discussed researching a possible partnership with a nonprofit or foundation to pursue grants and accept donations, as well as studying the cost and requirements for a horseshoe area that could host tournaments.