The Coppell Parks and Recreation Board met on Monday at Town Center to review the city’s budget process, receive updates from The CORE and form a committee for the Trail Master Plan project.
Director of Strategic Financial Engagement Kim Tiehen presented an overview of Coppell’s budget structure, revenue sources and financial challenges, emphasizing transparency and long-term planning.
“The budget is based on what the organization needs to best support the Coppell community,” Tiehen said.
She outlined the city’s primary revenue sources, including property tax at 36.5 percent and sales tax at 22 percent. Tiehen said the city cannot raise property taxes more than 3.5 percent without voter approval, and holding an election would cost approximately $90,000.
Board member Edward Rose asked about reevaluating vendor contracts. He asked what are some examples of vendor services where contracts were being reevaluated.
“An example is the membership and day pass pricing of THE CORE are periodically reviewed to ensure sustainability,” Tiehen said
Board member Steve Harrison questioned projected expenditure increases in later fiscal years. He asked what caused the predicted expenditures from 2025-26 to nearly double by 2028-29.
“Unexpected operational costs such as fire-related damages or other emergencies not included in the operating budget are sometimes deferred to future years causing projections to rise,” Tiehen said.
She also said 10 city positions were removed in an effort to rebalance the budget. Services have not yet been impacted, but she acknowledged long-term uncertainty.
“If a community has a complaint about taxes, would they go to Austin or their local council members and board members where they have more influence?” said Tiehen, referencing the Austin Gap and state-level revenue limitations.
The CORE manager Lauren Rodriguez provided a facility update. The 53,000-square-foot recreation center currently has 6,424 pass holders and recorded more than 251,000 visitors, 93 percent of whom are Coppell residents.
Board member Amy Cole asked about membership growth strategies. She questioned if there had been any effort to convert visitors into pass holders.
“The staff plans to promote summer memberships that include outdoor pool access and use guest passes to encourage conversions,” Rodriguez said.
The board also formed a committee for the Trail Master Plan project. Members volunteering include Harrison, Nick Paschal, Jeff Roller and Zainab Tinwala. The committee will plan and implement the plans in the Trail Master Plan Project while also defining the angles for community input.
Board members had a hearing from resident Margaret Brian during Citizens’ Appearance. Brian expressed interest in renaming one of the Andrew Brown Parks after former Mayor Mark Wolfe.
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