Casper City Council reviews Hogadon rates, tentatively backs 10% facility fee to help pay for lift replacement

Casper City Council members on Tuesday discussed proposed rate increases and a new facility fee for Hogadon Basin Recreation Area as staff outlined options intended to move the ski area closer to its 65% cost-recovery target and to fund capital work, including replacement of a chairlift.

Parks Division staffer Zulema (name spelled variously in the transcript as “Selima”/“Zalima”) told the council, “we are here to talk to you about two things: an evaluation of our rates…and the newer concept of a facility fee, which we hope can be used to help fund the capital project to replace [the] lift.” She said the fee could be used to repay a loan if terms were favorable and that staff sought provisional direction so they could bring a draft resolution back for formal consideration.

Why it matters: Hogadon is a city-operated recreational enterprise whose revenues and fees directly affect local users and the venue’s ability to pay for capital repairs. Staff says the proposed facility fee would be temporary — collected until funds for the lift replacement are raised — and would be added on top of any new ticket or pass prices.

Most important facts

- Staff history and rationale: Zulema told councilors the last general rate increase occurred in 2023 and that the city evaluates Hogadon rates roughly every other year. Staff said the primary goals are to…