The FY 2026-27 city budget includes a proposed Community Services and Parks Fee, based on the recommendation of a committee composed entirely of community members to evaluate the long-term sustainability of the Community Services (library and museum) and Parks departments. The proposed fees of $11.50 for Community Services and $8.15 for Parks will be reviewed by the Budget Committee for consideration in FY 2026–27. The combined fees, if adopted, will total $19.65. However, due to a scheduled reduction of the public safety fee from $17/month to $10/month, the net increase of fees is $12.65.

The past year of operating under reduced staffing and service levels has demonstrated that current General Fund resources are insufficient to sustain existing service levels in these departments over time. Without additional revenue, further reductions to services would be necessary. The proposed fee represents a community-informed approach to maintaining these valued services while balancing financial constraints.

The city will continue to monitor financial conditions and operational impacts, making adjustments as needed to maintain service delivery and support long-term fiscal stability. If adopted, this fee would appear as a dedicated new line item and would be used exclusively to fund those services.

The proposed fee is intended to support the long-term sustainability of Community Services and Parks. After operating with reduced staffing and service levels, it has become clear that current General Fund resources are not sufficient to maintain even these reduced service levels over time. The fee is part of a community-informed recommendation to help preserve these services.

The proposal includes two components:

  • Community Services: $11.50 per month
  • Parks: $8.15 per month

If adopted, the combined total would be $19.65 per month. At the same time, the public safety fee is scheduled to decrease from $17.00 per month to $10.00 per month starting July 1, 2026. As a result, the overall net monthly change across these adjustments would be an increase of $12.65.

The city has been operating these services at reduced staffing levels due to limited General Fund capacity. Without additional dedicated revenue, further reductions in services would be required. The proposed fee is intended to provide a more stable and sustainable funding source.

The proposal is based on recommendations from a committee made up entirely of community members who evaluated the long-term sustainability of Community Services and Parks.

If adopted, the fee would support the ongoing operations, programming, and staffing of the Community Services and Parks departments, which includes the library and museum.

No. If approved, the fee would appear as a dedicated revenue line item and would be used exclusively to fund the Community Services (library and museum) and Parks departments.

The fee is not expected to change, except for possible inflation adjustments. However, the city will continue to monitor financial conditions and service impacts, and future budget cycles may include adjustments up or down if needed.

If adopted as part of the FY 2026–27 budget, the fee would take effect July 1, 2026.

The city council will review and further discuss the city budget at their June 9, 2026 meeting, with an additional opportunity for public testimony.