Community Services presents mid‑cycle budget update; revenues trend flat

Mariana Mitchell, Community Services Director for Menifee City, presented the Parks and Recreation Commission with a mid‑cycle update on the department's biennial FY2025–2027 budget.

Mitchell explained that mid‑cycle review allows staff and council to adjust the adopted biennial budget to address urgent issues or priorities. She said the Community Services general fund operating budget is just over $6.5 million and that much of that covers personnel costs. Mitchell said finance's early revenue outlook shows relatively flat revenues, so staff expects limited capacity to add ongoing personnel or new recurring programs. Instead, she said staff will look first at one‑time initiatives and adjustments within existing program budgets.

Mitchell listed upcoming community CIP workshops and a May budget workshop, and said the City Council will consider adoption of any mid‑cycle adjustments on June 3, 2026. She noted staff is monitoring state requirements such as SB 1383 organics recycling obligations from CalRecycle that could require additional local investment.

Commissioners asked whether maintenance costs for city‑maintained parks (including the upcoming Quail Valley and Sun City Green Space projects) are budgeted; Mitchell said those two parks will be maintained from the general fund and staff is reviewing future maintenance impacts. For parks developed under community facilities districts (CFDs), maintenance is expected to be funded by district assessments.

No formal budget appropriations were requested at the commission meeting; staff invited commissioners and the public to attend the CIP and budget workshops for more detailed review.