Valley Stream trustees approve Parks & Recreation fee increases citing wage and chemical cost pressures

The Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream approved an update to Parks & Recreation fees, representing roughly a 10% increase that trustees said reflects higher labor costs and increased pool-chemical expenses.

Trustees and staff noted the last fee increase occurred about three years earlier. During discussion, board members said the increases respond primarily to a higher minimum wage for seasonal staff such as lifeguards and rapidly rising chemical costs for pool maintenance; staff reported that the pool-chemical costs have increased substantially since the prior fee schedule.

The board’s packet compared Valley Stream fees with nearby municipalities including Lynbrook and Garden City; trustees said Valley Stream’s new fees remain lower than those neighboring programs despite the increase. Recreation staff and finance personnel were asked to supply updated fee schedules and to monitor lifeguard recruitment as part of implementation.

Why this matters: fee increases affect residents who use village recreation facilities, participants in swim programs, and the village’s recreation budget. Trustees framed the increase as necessary to maintain service levels and to remain competitive in lifeguard recruitment.

Implementation and follow-up - Staff were directed to publish the updated fees and update registration materials. - Trustees asked the recreation director to continue outreach to recruit lifeguards and to report back if further fee adjustments are needed.

Ending: The fee changes were approved as part of the consent agenda and will take effect consistent with standard administrative timing; the board did not record a separate formal motion beyond the resolution on the consent agenda.