REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Review of the FY 2025/26 & FY 2026/27 Proposed Biennial Operating Budget
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
Enhance Community Sports, Recreational and Arts Assets
Deliver and Enhance High-Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
City Charter Section 1302 (Budget - Submission to the City Council) requires that at least thirty-five (35) days prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, (or at such prior date thereto determined by the City Council), the City Manager shall submit to the City Council the proposed budget. The proposed biennial budget process alternates between an operating and a capital budget. This year’s proposed budget, released on May 1, 2025, focuses on the operating budget, maintaining facilities, and supporting recreational programs and activities that serve our residents and community. There will be a City Council Study Session on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, and a second on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. In addition, there will be a Public Hearing and Adoption of the FY 2025/26 and FY 2026/27 Biennial Operating Budget and Amendments to the FY 2025/26 Capital Budget on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
The Parks & Recreation Commission has Goal F as part of the FY 2024/25 Work Plan which states: Consider the annual budget of the Parks & Recreation Department during the budget preparation process and make recommendations thereto to the City Manager and the City Council. The purpose of this report to the Commission is to provide an opportunity for the Commission to review the proposed budget as it relates to the Operating Budget under the purview of the Parks & Recreation Department and to provide appropriate feedback.
DISCUSSION
Enclosed, as Attachment 1, is the excerpt for the Parks & Recreation Department Chapter (pages 497-520) from the FY 2025/26 and FY 2026/27 Proposed Biennial Budget book. The Commission may view and access the entire document for context by accessing the following link: <https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/departments-a-f/finance> and navigating to the Budget accordion to find the Operating Budget.
At the May 12, 2025, Commission meeting, staff will review the Parks & Recreation Department chapter with the Commission, with a focus on the operating budget that is within the purview of the Department.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environment Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to section 15378(a)(4) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations in that it is a fiscal activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant impact on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact on the Parks & Recreation Operating Budget other than the staff time allocated to prepare the report.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Parks & Recreation Commission agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Provide feedback, as deemed appropriate, as it relates to the Parks & Recreation Department’s Operating Budget, and
2. Note and file the report.
Staff
Prepared by: Dale Seale, Deputy Parks & Recreation Director
Approved by: Damon Sparacino, Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENT
1. Parks & Recreation Department Chapter of FY 2025/26 and FY 2026/27 Proposed Biennial Budget