May 8, 2024|
Photo – Rawlins Family Recreation Center – Bigfoot99 file photo
Although the Rawlins Recreation Center loses money every year, closing the facility is not an option, says the Rawlins city council.
Before the April 16th regular Rawlins city council meeting, the board met with City Manager Tom Sarvey to review increases to rates for city services. The rate increases are required to raise revenue to cover inflation and pay for necessary repairs to city infrastructure.
During the rate review workshop, City Manager Sarvey discussed the Rawlins Family Recreation Center. Sarvey said membership fees should increase by 20% across the board.
Under the new fee schedule, a yearly family pass will go from $370 to $444.
Sarvey also suggested increasing the daily use rate by 20%. However, the city manager said the rec center should not charge more for its Kids Korral Day Care.
Sarvey also proposed increasing the two-hour rental fee for Washington, Depot, Bolton, and Rob Roy Parks from $15 to $50.
Councilman Bruce Seilaff suggested adding a deposit to the park rental rate to cover the cost of cleaning. Mayor Terry Weickum agreed with Councilman Seilaff. Mayor Weickum said the deposit will be returned to the customer if cleaning isn’t needed.
The council agreed that a $100 cleaning deposit should be added to the city park rental fee.
City Manager Sarvey said the Rawlins Family Recreation Center only brings in 17% of its operating budget. Sarvey said the rec center costs the city $715,000 a year.
Councilman Darril Garner asked if having a city-operated recreation center is a good idea. Not enough people use the facility to justify taking money away from more essential projects, said Councilman Garner.
Councilman Garner asked City Manager Sarvey if the rate increases at the rec center will make a big difference on the city’s budget. Sarvey said the effect will be minor, bringing in only an additional $14,000 a year.
Sarvey also proposed a 10% increase on the rates at the Rochelle Ranch Golf Course, noting that the golf course brings in 35% of its operating budget through memberships and greens fees.
Councilwoman Tonya Lewman said increased rates at the rec center and golf courses are likely to drive down attendance, further lowering the money generated through memberships. If the city can’t find a way to make the facilities more profitable, the council should consider taking drastic action, said Councilwoman Lewman.
Councilman Chris Weisenburg said the recreation department will never pay for itself. However, Councilman Weisenburg said the rec center is too valuable to lose.
Councilman Weisenberg said other city services operate at a loss, including the police, fire, and streets departments. The councilman said eliminating the rec center will hurt young people.
Councilwoman Lewman said she agreed with Weisenburg’s opinion. However, Lewman said if the city can’t afford to continue funding the recreation center, then they won’t have a choice but to close the facility.
Mayor Weickum said the council must make difficult decisions when creating the city’s yearly budget. The mayor said rate increases, while unpopular, are needed to ensure the city can continue to offer the same level of amenities.
Parks & Recreation Director Nikki Howell said no one will use the recreation center if the city raises the rates enough to make the facility break even.
The Rawlins city council voted to approve the 20% rec center membership rate increases.
