Deer Park CDC adopts FY 2026–27 budget, increases support for DAC

The Deer Park Community Development Committee approved its fiscal year 2026–27 budget and agreed to forward it to the city council.

A CDC staff member described two specific changes from the version previously presented: an increased transfer from CDC to parks and recreation to support operations at the DAC, and a timing change that moves one parks project from FY 2026–27 to FY 2027–28. “We have to increase that transfer from CDC,” the staff member said, adding that the adjustments offset each other in how fund balance is used.

A public commenter provided historical context about the CDC funding authority, saying the 2015 authorization was originally intended only for capital projects and not for operations, and that the 2021 reauthorization changed the model to allow the CDC to provide ongoing maintenance and operations support. “When we passed this in 2015, it was only to do projects. And when the projects ended, it was over,” the commenter said. Staff responded that the DAC was not intended to be fully self-sustaining and that the CDC’s support is anticipated.

Committee members asked follow-up questions about timing and revenue assumptions; staff noted that budget preparation involves forecasts made months in advance and that later updates improved confidence in estimates. After discussion the committee moved and approved the budget by voice vote.