Council adopts updated Parks & Recreation fee schedule and cost-recovery policy; senior annual fee to rise with assistance options

The West Sacramento City Council on Oct. 1 adopted a revised Parks and Recreation fee schedule and a departmental cost-recovery policy, approving Resolution No. 25-99 and directing staff to finalize a needs-based assistance program.

Parks and Recreation Director Kate Smith told the council the department’s book of fees had not received a comprehensive update in more than a decade and that rising minimum wages and operating costs prompted a review. Staff presented a framework that ties fee levels to service categories — from community-wide, low-cost programs (high subsidy) to market-rate rentals (high cost recovery) — and recommended a cost-recovery policy that sets recovery goals for different types of services.

Staff also proposed changes to specific program and facility fees in an attachment to the resolution and recommended implementing the new fees in January 2026 after a three-month outreach and program-setup period. Among items discussed was an adjustment to the senior annual membership fee for a recreation center from the current $5 to a proposed $20 annual fee; staff said the $20 figure represents an attempt to approach cost-recovery goals but that the department intentionally plans to offer a financial-assistance subsidy to qualifying residents.

Director Smith told the council the department would formalize eligibility documentation and outreach for the fee-assistance program before fees take effect, and staff recommended accepting evidence of government assistance or utility-assistance program enrollment (for example, PG&E customer assistance programs) as documentation for eligibility. Council members asked staff to ensure clear communications to senior center users and to consider a phased or subsidized approach; staff said the assistant program and communications would be finalized in October–December with a budget request if the assistance program requires additional funding.

Public commenters who use senior services urged smaller, phased increases and clearer notices to avoid surprise for long-time participants. The council discussed an approach that would allow a substantial subsidy (staff cited examples of other agencies offering up to a 50% subsidy for eligible people) and directed staff to proceed with the assistance program design and outreach.

Council member Early moved and Council member Alcala seconded adoption of Resolution 25-99 amending the Parks and Recreation book of fees and adopting the cost-recovery policy. The roll call vote was unanimous (Ayes: Alcala, Early, Orozco, Salpizio Hall, Mayor Guerrero). The council also authorized the city manager to amend the policy as needed.

Ending: The policy creates a mechanism to adjust fees toward stated cost-recovery goals while building a targeted subsidy program for low-income and eligible seniors. Staff will finalize the assistance procedures, run a targeted communications campaign, and implement fee changes in January 2026.