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.

Key details and debate

- Wages and staff turnover: Staff described high seasonal turnover and competition from private employers offering $13–$16 an hour for entry-level work. The department’s proposal raises the base hourly starting rate by about 5% for recreation positions, gives a larger bump (about 10%) to the year-round parks mower/caretaker role and adjusts some other classifications. Morgan, Recreation Supervisor, who led the seasonal wage study, said the increases are intended to make the city more competitive and reduce churn: “If it was a perfect world, yes, I would love to be able to give my staff more money. And if that means raising costs, absolutely.”

- Fee schedule changes: The packet proposed modest user-fee increases aligned with the wage changes. Examples discussed included raising pool party rental from about $51.50 an hour to $54, increasing a monthly senior membership from $28.50 to $30, and adjusting entry and program fees by small amounts (several 75¢ increases for youth program participants were shown). Lifeguard training fees are set in part by the American Red Cross; a resident lifeguard course was cited at $184.75 (staff said that reflects current Red Cross pricing).

- Aquatic costs and usage: Staff noted Waupaca County pool permits and related inspection fees have risen substantially since 2023 (more than $500 in total increases across permit lines as described). Attendance for open swim was reported to average roughly 35–50 people on busy days, with higher numbers on prime weather days. Staff also noted some programs are full and maintain waiting lists, giving the department limited scope to raise fees on those programs without affecting access.

- Cost recovery policy: The department applies a cost-recovery standard when reviewing programs. Morgan said youth programs are expected to recover at least 50% of direct operating costs; adult/sport programs are expected to recover 100% of operating costs, including staff, and programs failing those thresholds may be re-evaluated or canceled.

Committee action and next steps

Committee members questioned whether the proposed increases were sufficient and whether raising fees would push away users. After discussion and a procedural exchange over motions, the committee did not forward a final recommendation to council. Instead, members directed Ginger to rework the wage and fee options and return with a revised fee schedule at the committee’s October meeting so the committee can act before any changes would take effect on Jan. 1.

The committee also received updates on capital and community events and approved routine meeting items (agenda adoption and approval of prior meeting minutes) earlier in the session.

What remains unresolved

Staff will refine scenarios that balance higher seasonal wages against the revenue impacts of higher user fees and report back in October. The committee emphasized the tension between paying competitive wages, limiting user-fee increases for residents (especially seniors), and avoiding cuts to programs such as the community’s haunted trail or other long-running events.

Ending

Ginger will return to the committee in October with revised wage/fee options and a cost-recovery report for review; the committee expects to finalize any recommendation to council after that follow-up.