The Sunset Empire Park and Recreation District’s budget committee approved the proposed budget for 2023-24. The budget will go to the board of directors for approval at the May 23 meeting.

Skyler Archibald, executive director of Sunset Empire Park and Recreation District, said he was “exceptionally pleased” with the process this year.

“The hard work of district staff, especially Darren Gooch, director of operations, and Chris McCollister, finance manager, was what made all the difference for us in the preparation phase of the budget,” Archibald said. “We were also fortunate to have 10 dedicated volunteers on our budget committee and they came to their assignment prepared and informed about district operations.”

Archibald prepared the budget with Director of Operations Darren Gooch, and Chris McCollister, the park district’s finance director.

Budget preparations began in mid-January this year and have been reviewed regularly since then by department heads, staff said.

The district has a total assessed valuation of $3.7 million for fiscal year 2023-24, a 2.85% difference from the previous year.

The permanent tax rate generates $1.86 million in tax collections.

The district employs 68 employees, up about 4.5% from last year. This year, the district will implement a cost of living adjustment of 4%. In addition, employees who qualify will receive merit increases, capped at 2%.

The district continues to grow with new development within its boundaries, according to the budget statement. Grants and sponsorships have also generated revenue.

It also includes a $30,000 expense for maintenance improvements at Sunset Pool.

The district continues work on its strategic plan, which began last fall. The district has budgeted $30,000 for the plan.

The district’s $2.15 million purchase of the former Broadway Middle School in January 2021 from the Seaside School District continues operations as the Sunset Recreation Center.

“It has proved to be a good financial investment, although I don’t think all the numbers are in quite yet,” Kyle Gorman, the budget committee chairman, said. “By the time we get it the way it needs to be, it’s going to be an awesome resource for the community.”

More than two years in, the building can handle more usage.

“We have been working with Scott Edwards Architecture and the Klosh Group to develop a plan for addressing the SRC building’s deficiencies in meeting current code requirements, which has been the biggest barrier in gaining full occupancy of the space,” the budget statement detailed.

The district does expect a drop in building rental revenue as a tenant, the Northwest Regional Educational Service District, will move out in July. However, the district still expects to see a sizable amount of revenue as rental requests continue to increase.

“We have had several potential tenants express interest in the space available and I’m confident that we’ll be able to fill the space in the next fiscal year, provided that the board agrees with that direction,” Archibald said.

Other programming is underway, but with a potential for greater capacity.

The district is budgeting for a capital improvement to address the building’s fire safety system. The Seaside School District has agreed to fund the locker room renovations, when that project is undertaken.