Missouri City councilmembers on Oct. 20 discussed potential changes to the city’s policy on cash in lieu of parkland dedication and voted to accept $1,400 in lieu of parkland for a one-dwelling development on Rambo Creek Drive.

Council members raised concerns that developers frequently choose cash-in-lieu instead of providing on-site neighborhood parks, leaving some newly developed subdivisions without local park facilities. Councilmember Boney asked whether the city planned to move away from allowing cash in lieu, and City staff responded that a new ordinance is being drafted and will be presented to the Parks Board in November; staff expects to bring it to the council by the end of the year.

Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Danielle Stewart shared a preliminary proposal with councilmembers that would increase the fee-in-lieu; staff said they are “really close” to a final figure but had not yet set the exact amount.

City Manager Angel Jones said the matter is suitable for more in-depth consideration at a council retreat, noting the need to align any change with the parks master plan. Staff also noted the city currently holds a “significant portion of park land that is undeveloped,” and that in some cases staff prefers cash in lieu so the city can develop those parcels. Mayor Pro Tem Brown Marshall and other councilmembers suggested exploring alternatives to cash-in-lieu, such as requiring on-site smaller parks where feasible, split approaches (partial land and partial cash), or creative uses like rooftop play spaces for multifamily.

Separately, the council approved acceptance of $1,400 in cash in lieu of parkland for Rambo Creek Estates, a one-dwelling development in Park Zone 12. Councilmember Volley moved to approve item 6K; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Emery and carried on a unanimous roll-call vote.

Councilmembers asked staff to bring a proposed ordinance to the Parks Board and to the council for consideration; staff emphasized that the draft ordinance will still give developers the option to provide land or cash, but with adjusted fee levels and potential additional controls.

The council did not set final fee amounts at the meeting; staff said the Parks Board would review the proposal in November and the council would consider the final ordinance by year end.