Park board adopts draft budget

TIFFIN — Members of the Seneca Parks District met for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday to discuss and adopt several supplemental appropriations, including a draft budget for Fiscal Year 2026 and a rental fee schedule for their newly constructed Nature Education Center. Executive Director Sarah Betts shared in her report that since the board's previous meeting, three ribbon cuttings have taken place: one at the Robert G. Teach Nature Education Center, another at Mercy Health Community Nature Preserve and the other at Clary Boulee McDonald Nature Preserve. "These new trails and facilities provide residents and area visitors more opportunities to experience the benefits of nature," said Betts. Program Director Linda Rose noted that programs are going well and numbers are comparable to those of this time last year. Regarding the draft 2025 budget, Betts said the district is hoping for some increase in revenue from public use of the Nature Education Center, though the amount is currently unpredictable. She also highlighted plans to purchase a small landscape dump truck, a project delayed for several years due to budget constraints. "This will be a big help as we continue to make trail surface improvements for more accessibility in the future," she said. Betts added that the district continues to monitor grant opportunities to support improvement and accessibility projects, adjusting budgets as awards are received. She said next year's focus will remain on improving basic amenities and accessibility, including trail surfaces, permanent restroom facilities, parking lots, and shelters. Plans also include celebrating the Seneca Parks' 30th anniversary with new events, programs, and tree plantings. New business Additionally adopted among those resolutions adopted were: • Resolution 8.12.2025 – A resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the budget commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the county auditor. • Resolution 8.12.2025 – A resolution adopting and approving the draft 2026 Budget for the Seneca County Park District Fund 2188. • Resolution 8.12.2025 – A resolution adopting and approving the draft 2026 Budget for the Seneca County Park District Preschool Fund 2209 • Resolution 8.12.2025 – A resolution to dispose of unnecessary equipment, specifically Phone System (Asset #50400002870009). • Resolution 8.12.2025 – A resolution to purchase a Toro Z Master mower with accessories from Kuhn Sales & Service for $9,137.31 after a $3,570 trade-in of a 2017 Toro zero-turn mower. All resolutions were adopted unanimously, and with no need to enter an executive session, the board session adjourned shortly after. The next regularly scheduled meeting will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. at the Nature Education Center, 10130 Ohio 18, Fostoria.