The South Suburban Board of Directors adopted the 2026 budget at the regular public meeting held on Nov. 12. The Board also approved the five-year Capital Improvement Plan.

“Together we are ensuring that South Suburban sustains long-term financial health, while managing projected increases in operating costs,” said South Suburban Board Chair Pam Eller. “The Board met three times with staff to discuss future priorities, and three public sessions were offered to gain feedback. This budget reflects careful planning, community input and financial stewardship.”

The Board also approved 8.800 mills for the 2026 total mill levy at its Dec. 10 regular meeting. This is an increase of 0.514 mills from 2025, however less than the estimated 0.711 mills permissible.

The 2026 budget aligns with South Suburban’s guiding principles and goals outlined in the 2022 Master and Strategic plans. A strong focus is on improving and maintaining the quality and value of parks, trails, facilities and services. The 2026 budget invests more than $35 million for capital improvements, with major projects including regional attractions such as Cornerstone Park, Mary Carter Greenway, and High Note Regional Park.

South Suburban continues to follow its strategic goal of valuing and retaining its staff by approving annual merit compensation for employees and building a maintenance facility at Cornerstone Park. The new maintenance building also aligns with sustainability practices as it will improve efficiency of park maintenance and operations and reduce travel time between park sites.

“Our mission to continue to provide the best in parks and recreation extends to our staff,” said Eller. “Our employees need to be adequately equipped to provide first-class service to our residents.”

South Suburban is committed to improving service levels at parks and trails. More than $21 million is designated for the maintenance of local and regional parks and trails throughout the District, including Sweetwater Park (Lone Tree), Bear Creek Trail (Sheridan), Reynolds Landing Park (Littleton), and Palos Verdes Park (Centennial).

Fiscal responsibility continues to be a cornerstone for South Suburban, as evidenced by our receiving the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 16 consecutive years and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting 23 times.