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Manhattan Commission authorizes parks fee policy, setting staff authority to set recreation fees
Summary
After hours of public comment, the commission voted 3–2 to adopt a cost‑recovery resolution giving the parks director and city manager authority to set fees and pursue a goal of 35–40% cost recovery; the policy includes a scholarship expansion intended to preserve access for low‑income residents.
The Manhattan City Commission voted 3–2 on Dec. 17 to adopt a parks and recreation cost‑recovery policy that authorizes the director of Parks and Recreation and the city manager to set program, membership and facility fees. The action, framed by staff as a response to ongoing budget shortfalls, follows extended public comment and two hours of questions from commissioners.
Parks and Recreation Director Aaron Stewart told the commission the policy is meant to balance “equity with financial constraints” and move the department toward an industry standard of 35–40% cost recovery. Stewart said the department would expand its scholarship program by removing the current household cap and broadening eligible programs; scholarships would be backed by the Manhattan Parks and Rec Foundation and eligibility would be verified by simple residency or school benefit documentation. “I have been working in this field for a…
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