Item 6I. Schedule Public Hearing for the 2027 General Fund Budget

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING ON NOVEMBER 12, 2026, AT 5:30 PM, OR AS SOON THEREAFTER AS POSSIBLE, TO RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED 2027 GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET.

Prepared By: Shaan Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer

Background:

The Park District, although not required to, has historically held a public hearing on the General Fund budget before approving and submitting the budget to the Hennepin County Board for their review. The purpose of this hearing is to provide an opportunity for the public to review the budget and provide comments to Commissioners.

The Superintendent and staff recommend that a public hearing be held at the next regular Board Meeting on November 12, 2026. The motion sets the time of the hearing as 5:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, meaning that the hearing should begin at 5:30 p.m. or, if the Board is in the middle of another agenda item, shortly after the conclusion of that item. Staff is recommending a 5:30 p.m. start to allow any interested citizens who may work until 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. time to commute to the Administrative Center to participate in the meeting.

At the end of the hearing, the Board of Commissioners will be asked to approve the budget and authorize its submittal to Hennepin County. Once submitted, the County has fifteen days to review and propose changes to the budget. Based upon discussions with County staff, the Park District is scheduled to present the budget at a Hennepin County committee meeting on November 17. The 2027 budget, with any input from Hennepin County, and the final tax levy will be presented to Commissioners on December 17, 2026. Approval of the 2027 budget and adoption of the final tax levy in December will complete the budget process.