Leisure‑services staff gave a detailed presentation on how the city classifies and funds recreation programs, from core free services to high‑demand fee‑based offerings.

Charlotte, the department’s leisure services administrator, outlined a four‑tier 'pyramid' used to set fees and explained the role of the general fund and a special‑revenue fund. She said the special‑revenue fund covers roughly $10,000,000 in program expenses and that classification levels determine whether programs are subsidized, fee‑based or fully cost‑recovered. “The model that we have put together has kept those expenses out of the general fund,” Charlotte said.

She described examples: 488 registration programs in the upcoming catalog, about 495 annual 'on the house' events supported by the general fund, and hundreds of membership and pass holders across aquatic and court facilities. On pickleball, staff said drop‑in fees for residents currently match other outdoor facilities and pass‑holders receive discounts; staff will reanalyze fees when a new field house opens.

Charlotte also provided a fiscal comparison: fully funding current programs through property taxes would require an approximate 10% millage increase to about 5.5591 mills, producing estimated homeowner impacts staff summarized in the presentation.

Council members praised the clarity of the data, asked follow‑up questions about passes, hardship assistance (which staff said is available to residents) and the business plan for the new field house. The council did not take immediate policy action; staff will use the presentation to inform future fee discussions.