Manhattan Commission authorizes parks fee policy, setting staff authority to set recreation fees

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 long time and I have never told somebody no because they couldn't afford it,” Stewart said.

Opponents at the podium argued the move breaks an understanding many voters held after the 2017 sales tax that municipal recreation centers would remain free to the public. Debbie Ness of the Flint Hills Wellness Coalition said voters were told the facilities would be used without paying an admission fee and urged the commission not to pass the resolution on first reading. “Voters have paid sales tax for the construction of the Anthony and Eisenhower Recreation Centers with the understanding that they would be able to use them without paying a fee to cross the threshold,” Ness said.

Supporters, including Gail Urban, chair of the Manhattan Parks and Rec Foundation, said a stronger scholarship program will preserve access while allowing the department to address maintenance and program deficits. Urban said the younger foundation is raising funds specifically for scholarships and urged passage of the policy.

Commission debate focused on whether the policy removes too much fee‑setting authority from elected officials and whether admission to the three rec centers should be exempted. Commissioner (motion maker) argued the city has long built facilities with no dedicated revenue stream for upkeep and that failing to act would perpetuate budget shortfalls. Opponents pushed for carving out admission fees for rec centers from the administrative authority granted by the resolution.

The roll call vote recorded Commissioner O’Pelt and Commissioner McCullough opposed; Commissioner Motta, Commissioner Minton and Mayor Adamczak supported the resolution. The motion carried 3–2.

Staff emphasized the policy does not itself fix final dollar amounts; rather, it establishes a methodology and authority for fee setting, with an implementation year of program classification, cost‑of‑service analyses, and an evaluation period to adjust rates as needed. Stewart told commissioners the department projects the proposed changes could move the division closer to its stated cost‑recovery targets and reduce the department’s general fund subsidy, which he said is currently in the multi‑million‑dollar range.

The commission directed staff to continue community outreach and to monitor participation and scholarship uptake as fees are implemented. Stewart said staff will return with refined cost‑of‑service numbers and that the scholarship program will aim to simplify verification for families and work with school district forms where possible.

The resolution is effective immediately in authorizing staff to proceed with the cost‑recovery methodology; the exact fee schedule will be set administratively and brought to the commission as part of staff reporting and budget updates.