New London parks staff propose modest wage increases, fee hikes; committee sends fee schedule back for more study

Ginger, Parks and Recreation staff member, presented a preliminary 2026 parks and recreation budget and recommended changes to the part-time/seasonal wage schedule and to user fees, including pool rental and class fees, but the committee asked staff to return with revised figures for more study in October.

The proposal would raise base starting wages across recreation positions by roughly 5%, increase some park mower/caretaker pay by about 10%, and lift certain program and facility fees. Ginger told the committee, “This is definitely just a rough draft,” and said the draft reflects uncertainty around full-time wage changes and health insurance costs.

Why it matters: labor and benefits drive most of the department’s costs. Ginger said labor and benefits account for roughly 77% of the division budgets and that health insurance and turnover among seasonal staff are the main budget pressures. Committee members repeatedly flagged staff shortages and competition from nearby employers — including Appleton-area businesses — as reasons to raise starting pay to retain seasonal workers.

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