Cumberland reviews recreational fees for non-residents at Valhalla and golf camps

During the Cumberland Town Council's recent budget workshop, discussions centered on the use of local recreational facilities and the fees associated with them, particularly for non-residents. The council is evaluating how to balance access to amenities like the Valhalla Golf Course and various recreational programs while ensuring that residents, who contribute to the town's tax base, are prioritized.

A key point raised was the need to assess the current fee structure for non-residents using these facilities. Council members expressed concern about whether the fees charged to non-residents are commensurate with those in neighboring towns like Falmouth and Yarmouth. Currently, non-residents pay an additional $10 for most recreational programs, but there is a push to analyze if this amount is adequate given the increasing demand for access to local amenities.

Valhalla Golf Course, in particular, has seen a surge in popularity, with a reported waiting list of around 200 individuals eager to become members. This increase in demand has prompted discussions about potentially raising fees for non-residents to reflect the course's desirability and to ensure that local taxpayers are not subsidizing services for those outside the community.

Council members emphasized the importance of maintaining a fair system that rewards residents while still allowing for some level of access to non-residents. They plan to gather more data on usage patterns and fee comparisons with other municipalities to inform their decisions moving forward.

As the council continues to refine its budget and fee structures, the outcomes of these discussions will directly impact how Cumberland residents engage with their local recreational facilities, ensuring that community needs are met while also addressing the challenges posed by increased demand from non-residents.