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Recreation budget largely steady; council asks about nonprofit rates, Bromley Center RFP and ballroom use
Summary
At the April 16 workshop, recreation staff said most event budgets (Azalea Fest, Fourth of July, Oktoberfest) are unchanged. The council discussed contracted management of Bromley and Wilson centers, plans for a Bromley RFP at year end, and whether to offer reduced Nottingham Ballroom rates to nonprofits such as the Red Cross for community events.
Recreation staff told the council at the April 16 budget workshop that most line items for Azalea Fest, the Fourth of July and Oktoberfest remain largely unchanged for 2025.
"Bromley and the Wilson Center are both under an agreement with the township," Kathy, a recreation/senior-services staff member, told the council when reviewing facility contracts. Staff said the Wilson Center contract remains in place through at least next year and that Bromley’s contract expires at the end of this year and will be reissued through a request-for-proposals process.
Staff noted the Bromley RFP will need to account for a federally funded, grant-supported part-time staff member currently provided to Bromley; should the funding end, the RFP specifications might require adjustment to reflect a different staffing model.
Council members asked about Nottingham Ballroom revenues and whether the township could offer lower rates for nonprofits and community organizations, citing a Red Cross request for a low-cost location for a blood drive. A council member noted that ballroom rental revenue flows into the township general fund.
"It goes into our general fund," one council member said while asking whether the township could set a lower rate for 501(c)(3) groups holding community events.
Staff said rates are set by ordinance and differ by category (for-profit, nonprofit, resident, nonresident). They suggested the administration and council could consider ordinance changes or an alternate rate schedule for community events, while noting practical constraints such as kitchen use and staffing needs for particular events.
Council members also asked about a previously negotiated stipend tied to the Hamilton Memorial Day parade. Staff explained the stipend was part of the terms attached to the township’s sale of Nottingham Ballroom and that the payment schedule is ongoing for the first few years of that agreement.
No formal votes were taken on ordinance changes or fee schedules; staff said they would bring suggestions to the administration for possible ordinance changes or special rates for community organizations.
