Title
Discussion of County Facility User Fees and Discounts Provided
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County Council provided the opportunity for County Departments to develop fees and charges to subsidize general fund allocations with County User Fee Policy #0426 (Attachment B) enacted on June 21, 1993. This policy aims to outline the general approach to reviewing existing fees and setting new fees for services provided by the County that will ensure a fee structure that is appropriate, legal, fair, and consistently applied.
The Community Services Department prepared and County Council adopted the initial Community Services Fees and Charges Policy #1462 (Attachment C), which was revised and updated with an effective date of October 1, 2021. This policy establishes the criteria for fees and provides targets for subsidy of major divisions of Community Services. Using the criteria and methodology contained within the policy, cost recovery targets were set for each major division. The cost recovery targets are:
--Aquatics 25% of operating budget
--Ice Rink 50% of operating budget
--Parks 10% of operating budget
--Golf Course 55% of operating budget
--Recreation Programs 10% of operating budget
These targets are used to develop the pricing structure in Policy 1735 Use and Rental of County Facilities and Land (Attachment D), revised and enacted on October 1, 2021.
Policy 1735 reviewed all County-owned land fees. Rental fees were updated and admissions were added to the revised update. The pricing structure was developed using the guidelines in the previous documents and a market study of local and regional providers of services.
One key philosophy is ensuring all citizens have equal opportunity to participate in recreation. Policy 1462 recognizes that paying fees or charges may result in inequities for individuals, groups, or situations. Several opportunities exist to minimize the financial barrier to participation including:
--Aquatics Gift Fund established provides funds for community members that may require financial assistance for aquatic programs and admission;
--family discounts are available from contractors;
--non profit discounts are available with a discount from the Director or a full waiver by the County Manager;
--multiple-use discounts such as punch cards are available that discount daily fees; and
--annual passes provide discounts based on total usage.
Using the policies outlined above, the Community Services Department keep fees and charges for services at minimal and reduced rates to meet the targets set forth.
Alternatives
Continue current policies or consider changes at a later date with direction from Council.
Attachments
A - Use Fees and Discounts Presentation
B - Policy 0426 User Fees (1993)
C - Policy 1462 Community Services Fees and Charges Policy (2021)
D - Policy 1735 - Use and Rental of County Facilities/Land