Cameron County officials are taking decisive steps to address significant revenue challenges facing Isla Blanca Park, as revealed in the recent Commissioner’s Court meeting. The county plans to temporarily shut down the RV section of the park for the year, a move expected to significantly impact the park system's finances.

The projected revenue decrease, primarily attributed to the closure, is estimated to exceed $4.4 million. In response, park system staff have already implemented operational cost reductions to mitigate the financial strain. Despite these efforts, the county's budget will still reflect built-in increases, including a 5% raise for employees and necessary debt service payments.

As of September 30, the park system's fund balance stood at over $1.1 billion, equating to approximately 403 days of operational coverage. However, with the anticipated financial impact, this balance would drop to around 170 days, still above the county's policy minimum of 90 days. Historically, the county has aimed to maintain a buffer of at least 180 days to prepare for unforeseen emergencies.

Additional staffing requests from the parks department were also discussed, indicating ongoing needs despite the current financial challenges. The county's proactive measures aim to ensure the sustainability of its park services while navigating these fiscal hurdles. As the situation develops, officials will continue to monitor the budget closely to safeguard the community's recreational resources.