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Council adopts second-year fee increases for Palm Desert Aquatic Center; implementation set for July 1
Summary
After a public hearing, the council adopted year‑two of a five‑year fee plan for the Palm Desert Aquatic Center to improve cost recovery; the increase is projected to generate additional revenue and stabilize the general fund subsidy.
The Palm Desert City Council on April 24 adopted the second year of a five‑year fee schedule for the Palm Desert Aquatic Center, approving higher daily admission rates and updated passes aimed at improving the facility’s cost recovery.
Sean Muir, community services manager, summarized the center’s operating history and the goal set in 2011 for a 60% cost‑recovery target. Liberty Urban, the consultant, reviewed year‑one results and the proposed year‑two adjustments. Muir and Urban said attendance did not fall noticeably after the first year of increases and that discount programs for income‑qualified residents have had limited takeup (87 uses reported last year).
Under the council’s adopted option, resident adult daily admission (ages 13–59) will rise from $5.50 (current) to $7.50; nonresident adult admission would move from $9 to $12. Staff noted an alternate option ($6.50/$10.50) had been considered; the higher option adopted is expected to generate roughly $130,000 more than the lower alternative in annual revenues. Staff recommended implementing the fees on July 1, 2025, to align with the fiscal year.
Muir and Urban warned that fee increases alone will not eliminate the city subsidy for operations; staff estimated current annual general fund support near $2.2 million and noted planned capital needs, including an expected $3.5 million equipment renovation in the next fiscal year for filter tanks, heaters and pumps. The city also recently completed a solar installation at the aquatic center and is installing a generator and pump‑room upgrades intended to reduce operating costs over time.
Council members discussed timing of future fee changes and possible interjurisdictional approaches for nonresident use; staff said they would evaluate implementing future increases to coincide with the start of the recreational swim season to reduce mid‑season “sticker shock.” The council approved the staff recommendation to adopt the year‑two fee schedule; the motion passed 5–0.
