Homer City Council passed a resolution last Monday adding community recreation participation fees to the city fee schedule and approving an increase to participation fees.
Resolution 23-079 outlines an amended fee schedule that, at its core, raises the cost of drop-in activities and contracted instructor classes from $3 to $5 for adults and from $2 to $3 for youth. The fee increase is necessitated by continued measures taken by city staff to improve services as well as the increase of expenses to provide community recreation programs and special events to Homer.
The Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture Advisory Commission reviewed and formally recommended the increase in community recreation participation fees, which assist with operational costs, at their meeting on May 18, according to the resolution.
“While it is priority to ensure accessibility and affordability for our local municipal recreation opportunities, our current participation rates have remained the same for at least the last 20 years despite the increasing costs to deliver these services,” an Aug. 7 memorandum from recreation manager Mike Illg to city council states.
The memo outlines three proposed fees — drop-in activities, contracted instructor classes and special events.
Drop-in activities are no-commitment, ongoing indoor/outdoor activities typically supervised by volunteers, such as volleyball, basketball, pickleball, etc. The City of Homer Community Recreation division is offering a single entry pass, a 10-visit pass and a three-month pass for drop-in activities.
Fees for drop-in activities are waived for active service members, as well as for youth participants in activities that are held on school district facilities. Fees for youth participants in drop-in activities held on city-owned facilities remain in effect.
Fees for contracted instructor classes are the cost per person per class and will consist of the base participation fees for youth and adults, in addition to the fees that go to the contracted instructor. No discounts or membership rates are offered for contracted instructor classes.
Special event fees are for one-time events, activities or series and are determined based on the estimated cost of the event, activity or production, according to the memo.
Resolution 23-079 was adopted by city council during their regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 14 as part of the consent agenda. No discussion was held on the ordinance during the meeting.
The full resolution, backup memorandum and amended fee schedule is available at www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/citycouncil/city-council-regular-meeting-297.
