City to consider raising park user fees for non-residents

Taking a class through the Carson City Parks and Recreation Department could soon cost more for people who live outside the city.

City parks staff will recommend an increase in fees for nonresidents to Parks and Recreation commissioners Tuesday. The city charges nonresidents 10 percent more for programs and facility rentals. The proposal seeks to double that to 20 percent.

"We had identified the potential for looking at those fees," said interim City Manager Andy Burnham.

While building next fiscal year's budget in March, city supervisors asked staff to examine all fees and charges to determine if changes could be made to make up for shortfalls in revenue.

Parks and Recreation staff will first ask the parks commission to approve the recommendation for an increase Tuesday, but a final decision will be made by the Board of Supervisors.

In 1995, the city established a policy for charging fees for parks facilities and programs. The city set nonresident use fees at 10 percent, using the difference in property tax rates as a measure. The percentage has not changed.

The costs of maintaining facilities during events, staffing and equipment have risen over the years, and one way to cover the increases is to raise fees, said Supervisor Pete Livermore, a parks and recreation commissioner.

"We need to reflectively adjust the rates," Livermore said. " We're trying to cover the cost associated with the services (facility users) anticipate having."

Compared to Carson, Reno charges nonresidents 50 percent more for parks and buildings only. Sparks charges outsiders 20 percent more for programs and 25 percent more for rentals, and adult sports participants are charged $6 more per player.

Carson staff is recommending increasing the fees for all programs and facilities for nonresidents, instead of selecting only certain programs.

IF YOU GO

What: Parks and Recreation Commission's regular meeting

When: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Sierra Room, Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.