As Levy Heads to May Ballot, Willamalane Seeks Budget Committee Member
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – Following unanimous board approval to place a temporary, five-year levy on the May 19 ballot, Willamalane Park and Recreation District is seeking a community member to serve on its budget committee during what leaders describe as a pivotal financial year.
Applications are due Wednesday, March 4. Interested candidates can apply online at willamalane.org/budget.
The Springfield-based special district, which operates parks and recreation facilities within its own tax boundaries, is pursuing long-term financial sustainability amid rising operational costs and revenue challenges. Voters will decide this spring whether to approve a temporary levy intended to help stabilize district operations.
Regardless of the election outcome, the budget committee will play a critical role in reviewing how public funds are allocated in the years ahead.
“This is one of the most important budget cycles in recent years,” said Willamalane Executive Director Michael Wargo. “Citizen oversight and full transparency in how public dollars are spent will be critical in the months and years ahead.”
If the levy passes, the committee would review how levy funds are implemented, providing citizen oversight and transparency into the process. Levy expenditures would also be reviewed by the elected board, along with public disclosure of all levy spending, an independent audit, and monthly financial reporting.
If the levy does not pass, the budget committee would help guide and review the district’s approach to addressing projected budget shortfalls.
About the Willamalane Budget Committee
The Willamalane Budget Committee includes five board-appointed community members who review the district’s annual budget to ensure Willamalane remains a good steward of public dollars. The appointed individual will serve the remainder of the current term, ending Dec. 31, 2028.
The vacancy was created following the board’s selection of a new director at its Feb. 11 meeting. The newly appointed director will be sworn in on March 11. Additional information about the newly appointed director will be shared following the March 11 swearing-in.
About Willamalane
Willamalane Park and Recreation District is responsible for maintaining and operating recreation facilities, community centers, pools, parks, trails, and natural areas in Springfield. In addition, the district offers recreational activities, volunteer opportunities, and childcare accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Created by voters in 1944, Willamalane is a special tax district, separate from the city of Springfield, governed by a five-member, elected board of directors and managed by an executive director. In 2022, Willamalane earned CAPRA accreditation, which signifies that the organization’s overall quality of operations, management, and service to the community is aligned with industry best practices.