In order to keep up with increases in state minimum wage and subsequent hikes in payroll costs, the Crescent City Council is considering raising user fees for some patrons.
In a presentation to the City Council, Recreation Director Holly Wendt and City Manager Eric Wier suggested raising some pool rates, as well as eliminating discounts for annual passes, to make up for rising expenses, and reduce the pool’s financial burden on the city budget.
“We are going to have issues with sustainability and funding because of minimum wage increases,” said Wendt.
In 2020, payroll expenses at the pool were $48,000, but that figure will jump to $60,000 in 2021 and $72,000 in 2022. The last fee increase for pool users came in 2018 when adult daily passes increased by 50 cents and family annual passes went up by $15. Since then, state minimum wage has increased by $3 per hour.
What’s more, a recent fire at a chlorine tablet manufacturer has caused a nationwide chlorine shortage, driving up chlorine costs dramatically, according to news reports.
Despite the rising costs, Wendt also recommended reducing youth fees. She also recommended introducing a monthly pass to substitute for the 50-punch pass, which was recently discontinued by the council.
The proposed revamp of the fee schedule breakdown is presented below:
Daily Pass
Youth price from $5 to $4.
Senior price remains at $5.
Adult price from $5.50 to $6.
Ten Punch Pass
Youth price from $40 to $36
Senior price from $40 to $45
Adult price from $45 to $54
Monthly pass
Youth price $40
Senior price $50
Adult price $60
Family price $120
Yearly Pass
Youth price from $450 to $360
Senior price remains at $450
Adult price from $525 to $540
Family price from $1,020 to $1,080
Wendt also recommended minor increases to swim lesson fees and slide rental, as well as eliminating sale prices for annual passes. If all the changes were implemented, the estimated revenue gain to the city would be $21,000.
After the presentation, Mayor Pro Tem Blake Inscore said he was in favor of the fee changes.
“I think our patrons value the pool, they want it to be sustainable,” said Inscore. “I don’t feel like the increases are going to price anyone out of the community.”
Mayor Jason Greenough said changing the pool rates now would be a double whammy for residents, who recently saw a sales tax increase with the passing of Measure S.
“I think there are other ways to fund this,” said Greenough. He suggested establishing a partnership with the county to help with funding.
During public comment, Teena Suzuki suggested implementing a higher fee for non-residents, as a lot of pool patrons come from Brookings, she said.
Ultimately, the council decided to get more feedback from the community about the proposed changes, potentially via Facebook post. Wier said he would reach out to the county government to discuss a possible partnership, and a non-resident fee.