Parks staff outlines cost-recovery framework; board offers recommendations, no vote

Angleton Parks & Recreation staff presented a proposed cost-recovery policy to the Parks and Recreation Board that would expand the department's current direct-cost pricing to a tiered model capturing indirect costs and administrative overhead; the board discussed the proposal and offered recommendations but did not vote.

Staff described the policy background: a master-plan recommendation to examine cost recovery (2019), a consultant engagement with Greenplay to identify industry practice, and a City Council workshop in August 2024 that asked staff to explore direct versus indirect costs. The existing approach the department uses recovers primarily direct costs (instructors, supplies). The proposed model would also capture indirect costs such as facility use, front-desk time, administrative overhead, staff planning hours and marketing.

Staff presented a five-tier rubric for programs based on whether a program delivers mostly community benefits (Tier 1) through mostly individual benefits (Tier 5). Suggested tier examples: Tier 1 (community benefit) includes many senior programs and adapted programs; Tier 2 includes youth programming and some senior trips; Tier 3 includes youth camps targeted for about 50% cost recovery; Tier 5 covers primarily individual benefits such as personal training or private rentals. Staff said member versus nonmember pricing would remain in place (members receiving a reduced rate) and that a scholarship program already exists for residents who cannot afford fees.

Board discussion focused on affordability for seniors and vulnerable residents, the potential for a lightweight transportation or bus fee instead of raising senior program fees, and whether adult swim lessons and CPR/Red Cross classes should be categorized differently because of community-safety benefits. Staff said the senior commission recommended minimizing new senior fees and suggested transportation fees as an alternative. Staff also noted the rec division's current overall cost recovery is about 10% of its budget while the rec center itself runs at roughly 50% cost recovery; staff said the proposed changes are intended to reduce the subsidy needed from the general budget.

Staff used summer camp as an example: current full-camp pricing was $125 for an eight-week series, and the new formula's midpoint recommendation for a 50% cost-recovery target produced about $164 for the full camp. Staff said the program historically runs up to 40 participants per week, includes two field trips in some weeks, and hours are typically 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff also said the department owns one bus and leases another and is exploring an agreement with Angleton ISD to use school buses for transportation to reduce costs. The board recommended that staff return the policy with clarifications about senior impacts, scholarship options, and how direct transportation costs would be applied, and staff asked for any additional input prior to taking recommendations to City Council.