Fountain Hills council approves new community center nonprofit fees; staff to implement policy Jan. 1

The Fountain Hills Town Council voted to adopt a revised community center fee and waiver policy for local nonprofit organizations, approving a three-tier pricing structure and small increases to a few service fees.

Staff presented a simplified three-step fee framework: a full (general) rate, a residents iscount rate for nonprofits, and a further discounted local nonprofit rate. Kevin (community center staff) told the council the proposal would make local nonprofits eligible for an additional 50% reduction off the resident nonprofit rate. The staff recommendation included increasing the flat audiovisual fee from $25 to $30 and charging $30 for coffee service per meeting; prices for stage or dance-floor sections remain at regular rates.

During public comment several nonprofit leaders urged the council to minimize or waive fees for smaller volunteer-run groups. Kim Walborski, treasurer for a local nonprofit, said a Saturday requirement to rent two ballrooms (a prior June notice referenced that rule) would dramatically increase costs for small groups and asked whether that minimum could be reconsidered. Beau James, president of the Fountain Hills Republican Club, said the two-ballroom weekend minimum could force small organizations to look for other meeting locations. Tullus, speaking for Four Peaks Rotary, and Dori (Dorie) Wittrig, long-time resident and nonprofit leader, urged the council to keep community center access affordable for volunteer organizations.

Councilmembers discussed equity and consistency in pricing and the challenge of protecting weekend prime-time availability for larger paid events. Staff explained the weekend two-ballroom minimum was intended to preserve availability for larger events that rent the full ballroom on prime-time days and to allow efficient turnover.

Kevin recommended implementing the new policy on Jan. 1 to give nonprofits time to adjust; he said a 30-day turnaround would put many groups "under the gun." The council approved the policy as presented; a motion to adopt the fee changes passed on a recorded vote (7-0). Staff will proceed with public notification to local nonprofits and implement the new rates as scheduled.

Why this matters: The community center is a primary meeting place for volunteer-run nonprofits and civic groups. Changes to pricing and minimum rental requirements affect small organizations—udgeting and meeting locations.

What to watch: Staff will notify local nonprofits of new rates and procedures and will enforce the uniform pricing structure for weekday and weekend reservations starting Jan. 1 as recommended by staff.