All employees of the Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation Department will receive 5 percent raises next year as part of the department’s 2026 budget.
The parks and recreation commission passed the budget at its monthly meeting held Tuesday, Dec. 16.
The pay increases include 3 percent cost of living raises and 2 percent merit increases for all staff, including parks director Sam Dudley. The raises also include transitioning Sharon Roberts’ garden specialist role into a full-time position, Dudley said.
“I think it would be good to have a gardener on full time,” Dudley said. “She’s so productive, and I never worry about her not getting stuff done. So, kudos to her.”
Commission chair Mark Ingram agreed with the change.
“I’ll run in and see her and she’s either working in the greenhouse or un-planting something or planting something,” Ingram said. “She’s doing something all the time.”
Dudley said he figured in the 5 percent pay increases for all of his staff in the proposed budget, including the 3 percent COLA raise typically given to all city employees.
“Did you add the 3 percent to yours as well?” Ingram asked Dudley.
“As you told me, I went ahead and requested 3 percent COLA plus 2 percent merit for each employee, and then I added 3 percent for me,” Dudley responded. “I did not add anything additional because that’s y’alls decision.”
Commissioners later voted to also give Dudley the 2 percent merit increase.
ANOTHER GIFT FOR BASIN SPRING PARK
When discussing other parts of the budget, Dudley mentioned the department recently being awarded an additional $25,000 from the Banks Family Foundation for continued improvements at Basin Spring Park.
“We’re very grateful for their continued support and generosity for our beloved park,” Dudley wrote on the department’s Facebook page on Dec. 9.
At the Dec. 16 meeting, Dudley said the money will be used for things such as flowering pots, new plaques, lighting and power washing needs throughout the year.
FINAL MEETING AS CHAIR
Ingram offered a few words in his final meeting as chair, completing his two years overseeing the commission.
“… My two years is up and I want to say that it has been an honor, and we’ve had a great couple of years, and I think this year specifically, I’m very proud of all of us and specifically more of Sam, but Basin Park was such an accomplishment,” he said. “I know for a fact that people have been trying to do something for over 20 years to get this done and it’s amazing.
“Also we heard casually by people, not soliciting comments, everybody was very pleased with the Christmas decorations at the Basin Park this year. We heard it walking down Living Windows, and people were talking about it. So, that was great….”
