Parks commission approves revised fees as staff previews FY25-26 budget

The Ames Parks and Recreation Commission voted to adopt a revised fees-and-charges schedule as staff presented highlights of the department's fiscal-year 2025–26 operational budget.

Department staff described the budget overview and how parks-and-recreation programs are funded, noting that the department operates from a general fund plus two enterprise funds (Ames ISU Ice Arena and Homewood Golf Course). "We have a general fund and then we have the enterprise funds," said Keith, a Parks and Recreation staff member, during the budget presentation.

The department said the budget materials shown to the commission include an allocation for the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center that assumes 65% of a full year of expenses and 50% of a full year of revenues for FY25–26. Staff also described the department's overall cost‑recovery rate at roughly 44%, which they contrasted with the National Recreation and Park Association average of about 21–22% cited in national surveys. Staff reported projected positive balances for the two enterprise funds: an estimated $99,000 addition to the ice arena fund and roughly $170,000 to Homewood Golf Course, with Homewood's unreserved balance projected near $880,000.

Commission members asked clarifying questions about the composition of the department's budget and what is included in the presentation to council; staff said that some items (cemetery, right-of-way) are budgeted separately and will be shown in the city's February budget presentations to City Council. Staff also outlined capital and maintenance priorities, including bridge design funding for Homewood's Hole No. 9 and planned gate and lighting improvements at the golf course.

After the budget overview, the commission considered the department's proposed fees and charges for FY25–26. Nathan, a commission member, moved to approve Alternative 1 (the staff-recommended revised fee schedule). Jeff Isles seconded. On a voice vote, the commission approved the proposed fee schedule; the motion carried.

The commission did not take a formal action on the full FY25–26 budget at the January meeting; staff told commissioners they will present the department budget to City Council on Feb. 5 and that the January meeting was intended as an informational briefing and to secure commission action on fees and charges ahead of other deadlines.

Ending: Staff said additional budget detail and a formal City Council presentation will follow in early February, and some fee changes will be effective July 1 or with the next program season as appropriate.