Ashland City Council Study Session - September 14, 2026

The City of Ashland Oregon City Council held a study session on September 14, 2026, focused primarily on the parks fee renewal and the city's preliminary budget outlook. Staff presented detailed information on the structural deficit facing the city, explaining that ongoing expenses are outpacing revenues, necessitating budget cuts or fee adjustments. The parks fee, currently $5 per month and funding about 10% of the parks operating budget, is set to sunset on June 30, 2027. Council discussed options including renewing, increasing, or modifying the fee, with particular attention to transparency about how fee revenues are allocated and the potential for low-income waivers. The council expressed interest in exploring both tiered fee structures and waiver programs to reduce the burden on low-income households. Public input was also heard, with speakers emphasizing the importance of parks to the community and the need for fiscal responsibility. The council agreed to provide staff direction on fee structures and waivers to inform the upcoming budget process and planned to revisit the fee renewal decision in October 2026.