Peachtree City councilors direct manager to renegotiate county payment, study rec fee changes and prioritize five park projects

Peachtree City council members asked the city manager to begin negotiations with Fayette County over the county’s annual payment for resident use of city recreation facilities and directed staff to prepare cost and timing estimates for several prioritized recreation projects.

The council’s action came during a multi-hour work session in which members reviewed the Recreation Master Plan and related SPLOST projects, discussed fee structures for pool passes and facility rentals, and weighed options for the city’s proposed pickleball complex and indoor pool alternatives.

Council members said the current county payment — $150,000 per year — does not reflect how many Fayette County (non‑Peachtree City) residents use city recreation programs. The consultant, CPL, estimated a payment closer to $820,000 per year; the difference between CPL’s estimate and the current payment is roughly $670,000. Council directed the city manager to ask the county to reopen talks and negotiate a new flat payment; if talks do not produce a materially increased payment the city will pursue a revised fee schedule that differentiates Peachtree City residents from county residents who live outside city limits.

Why it matters: Council members framed the county subsidy as a major driver of the parks-and-rec operating deficit. Staff and the consultant’s data show non‑city residents make up a substantial share of program participation; council members said the city cannot sustain operating deficits for active recreation facilities without either increasing fees for non‑residents, securing a higher county payment, or both.

What the council asked staff to do - Ask the city manager to negotiate with Fayette County about the annual payment and report back with the…