Council adopts facility fee‑waiver policy allowing limited staff waivers up to $7,500 annually

Riverbank’s City Council voted 5‑0 to adopt a new facility rental fee waiver policy that allows the city manager or the parks and recreation director to waive facility rental fees for qualifying events, subject to a $7,500 total annual cap unless the council approves a higher amount.

Parks and Recreation Director Michael Patton said the city receives frequent requests to waive user fees for city facilities (community center, Scout Hall, pool, picnic shelters and athletic fields). The policy narrows fee waivers to the facility rental fee only and excludes security deposits, required on‑site security, staffing overtime, equipment rentals, cleaning fees and insurance. It establishes eligibility criteria: city cosponsorship or municipal purpose; verified nonprofit hosting a free/open event; events that directly benefit residents or underserved populations; or events commemorating recognized national or local observances.

Patton said the policy requires an application at least 30 days before an event, a staff review with notification within 14 business days, and that each organization may receive no more than two fee waivers per calendar year. He described the cap and said staff will maintain a log of approved waivers and provide an annual summary to the council. "The maximum value of facility rental fee waivers approved under the policy by the city manager or parks recreation director shall not exceed 7,500 in total annual in total annually without city council approval," Patton said.

Councilors supported a staff‑level process to avoid placing routine requests on the consent calendar and asked staff to monitor usage and return if adjustments are needed. The motion to adopt the policy passed 5‑0.