Copperas Cove council backs higher lifeguard pay, pool fee increases to keep summer aquatics program running

Jeff Stauter, director of Parks and Recreation, briefed the City Council of Copperas Cove on the department’s 2025 aquatics program and staffing needs, saying the seasonal program runs from May through September — “roughly about 20 weeks long.” He told council the department needs 22 lifeguards to staff City Park and South Park pools and must meet a Red Cross standard of one lifeguard per 25 patrons on the pool deck.

The city manager explained why staff proposed both pay increases and changes to the fee schedule: without changes, the aquatics program runs a structural shortfall covered by tax revenue. “You can see at the very bottom that the revenues do not cover the expenses,” City Manager Ryan said during the budget workshop, and staff said the shortfall would grow under the recommended pay changes.

Council heard that staffing limits have forced curtailed services in prior seasons. Stauter said Copperas Cove competes with nearby employers and military installations for lifeguards, noting that some local teens choose jobs in Killeen…