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Sioux Falls council adopts five-year Parks & Recreation fee schedule; council to review performance data
Summary
Council approved changes to recreation center fees for 2025–2029, including annual rate escalators (about 2.6% per year) and a projected $685,000 annual taxpayer subsidy; councilors agreed to reconvene after openings to review utilization data; vote passed 7–1.
The Sioux Falls City Council voted 7–1 on Aug. 13 to adopt a revised Parks and Recreation fee schedule that adjusts recreation-center rates and sets a five-year escalation pattern.
Brett Callars, assistant director of Parks and Recreation, summarized the ordinance’s second reading, saying the changes clarify definitions and set rates for 2025–2029 that increase about 2.6% each year. Callars said the financial projection estimated roughly $685,000 in taxpayer support to operate the facility under current assumptions.
Public comment raised concerns about the projected per-user subsidy. Chester Young questioned the enrollment projection and said the estimated subsidy produced a high cost per member. Council members repeatedly said they wanted to treat the ordinance as a compromise while monitoring real-world performance.
Councilors asked staff to return with utilization and demographic data after the facility has been operating for several months so members can assess whether rates, discounts or program offerings need adjustment. Several councilors emphasized accessibility and a goal of blending generations in programming.
The ordinance passed 7–1; Councillor Spellberg recorded the lone no vote. Council members said they expect to reconvene with staff this winter to review early data and to consider adjustments if warranted.
