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 or on Fort Hood for higher pay. To address chronic understaffing and to create consistent maintenance, staff proposed adding a dedicated pool maintenance technician and raising seasonal salaries. The presentation showed the department’s proposal would raise total seasonal salaries to $104,405, an increase of $36,607 over current seasonal payroll estimates. Stauter said those changes — combined with modest fee increases and a new senior swim fee — were intended to keep pools open and reduce the frequency of capacity-based admissions cuts.

Arianna Beckman, director of budget, presented the related fee changes on the regular agenda. The ordinance approved by council raised daily admission for residents from $3.00 to $3.50 and for nonresidents from $5.00 to $5.50. The council also approved a senior swim season pass and program fees: a seasonal pass at $40, a $2 daily senior fee, and a $10 restoration fee. Beckman confirmed the pass is an annual/seasonal pass.

Council discussed the trade-offs between raising fees and using tax revenues to subsidize the program; several members signaled support for the staff recommendations. The council adopted the fee-schedule ordinance (Ordinance No. 2025-2) and later approved the related budget amendment that carries forward and reallocates prior-year amounts and funds the recommended pay changes (Ordinance No. 2025-1).

What the changes mean in practice: Stauter said the City Park pool’s maximum capacity is 250 and South Park’s is 150 (staff typically caps South Park at 100 because of staffing). The department expects a modest revenue increase from the fee changes — presentation figures showed an amended pool revenue line of $70,850 and an estimated program revenue increase of $4,850 — but staffing and program costs still require general-fund support.

Council action

- Ordinance No. 2025-2 (amending the city’s fee schedule to raise pool admission and create senior swim fees) — motion carried on a voice vote (motion made by John Hale; second by Del Treadway). Outcome: approved. - Ordinance No. 2025-1 (fiscal-year 2024–25 budget amendment that includes the aquatics salary increases and other roll-over items) — motion carried on a voice vote (motion made by Del Treadway; second by John Hale). Outcome: approved.

Why it matters

The pool program is a seasonal public-service offering the council has historically subsidized. Council members and staff framed the pay increases and small fee upticks as a way to maintain service levels (hours, lessons, senior programming) rather than reduce access. The city manager noted that the council has historically treated the aquatics program as a public service and that any remaining difference between revenues and expenses is covered from tax revenues.

Staff follow-up

Parks staff will implement pay changes and the updated fee schedule for the coming season. Stauter said pools may remain open into October when weather and staffing permit. The fee ordinance and budget amendment give staff authority to set the program up under the revised pay and fee structure for 2025. The council did not add additional conditions to the adopted measures.