Commissioners were largely favorable of fee increases for Parks and Recreation programs and services provided by city cemeteries during the Manhattan City Commission’s work session Tuesday.
City staff said that due to increases in expenses they recommend an increase of $5 per recreation program in 2019. They also recommend an increase in waterpark admission fees by $1, or $5 for a season pass.
Expenses for recreation programs have risen by 12 percent over the past 3 years. Revenue from recreation fees for 2018 amounted to $648,761 as of October 31 while expenses for recreation programs for 2018 amounted to $736,615 as of October 31. Revenue from aquatic center fees for 2018 amounted to $423,163 as of October 31 while expenses for aquatic centers for 2018 amounted to $761,733 as of October 31.
The increase in programs fees is estimated to bring in an additional $35,000 in revenue in 2019, and aquatics fee increases would bring in nearly the same amount. Though the increases wouldn’t completely close the gap in the budget, but city staff said it would be a step toward that direction without making programs too cost prohibitive.
Recreation Director Randi Clifford said the increased expenses are in-part due to wage increases in order to stay competitive in the market, looming important equipment upgrades at city pools, as well as an upgrade to CivicRec, a new department management software.
(Read more: 1350 KMAN)