Bellaire — The City Council on Jan. 6 approved an ordinance updating the fiscal year 2025 schedule of fees for annual recreation center memberships and day passes, after a presentation from Parks and Recreation Director Ryan Smith and a discussion about access and programming for working adults.

The changes adopt lower daily-entry rates and more modest resident annual increases than had been proposed earlier in the budget process, Ryan Smith told council. Councilmember Katherine Lewis moved to approve the ordinance; Councilmember Taylor seconded the motion. The ordinance passed on voice vote.

The debate centered on balancing affordability and operational costs with the desire to attract and retain members. “We heard back from the community, and that got us to our 2025 proposed fees, for residents, a more modest increase as well as lowering the resident daily entry,” Smith said during his presentation. Several council members and Rec staff said they will continue to monitor participation.

Members of the public and councilors pressed department staff for ways to increase access for working adults. Alice Sun, a Bellaire resident and public commenter, told the council she and other childless adults find it difficult to build community because many city activities are youth-centered and gyms are occupied by youth sports for long stretches. “I’m just asking… maybe for four months out of the year there’s youth sports and then there is no time in the gym for those of us who work — there’s no evening times and no weekend times,” Sun said.

Smith said staff is aware of the demand and will consider expanded hours and other programmatic fixes during future budget cycles and operational planning. In the fee debate council members explored a possible monthly membership option for residents; Smith said the department could implement a monthly option if demand and administrative capacity justify it, but cautioned that low monthly rates can be staff‑intensive and carry card‑processing costs.

Councilmembers asked staff to return with data and, if feasible, administrative procedures to offer short‑term or monthly membership options that would not unduly increase back‑office workload. Smith said the department is “always looking for new programs” and would present options during the next budget cycle or sooner if practical.

The ordinance to amend recreation fees was moved by Councilmember Katherine Lewis and seconded by Councilmember Taylor; the council approved the ordinance by voice vote. Smith said staff will monitor participation and report as the changes take effect.

A related note from the meeting: Parks staff reported the dog‑pound fence is complete and the remaining driveway work is scheduled for late January; once complete the new facility will be used as the short‑term holding site with the existing pound used for longer stays.