Commission approves seasonal wage increases, 3% card processing fee and Baumann pool fee changes

At its Dec. 1 meeting the Middleton Parks & Recreation & Forestry Commission approved three operational motions intended to align wages and fees with regional practice and reduce administrative reconciliation burdens.

Seasonal wage scale: The commission approved the 2026 seasonal wage scale as presented, with a minor edit to accompanist pay. Staff described a general $1 increase for seasonal positions (parks/forestry seasonal starting wages up to $18 per hour), retention of the parks ranger rate at $20 per hour, and creation of a higher‑tier crew member classification (for staff with CDL, wildland firefighter or arborist certification) to reach $20 per hour. Motion: moved by Speaker 4; seconded by Speaker 2. Vote: motion carried.

Payment processing fee: Staff proposed passing a 3% card‑processing fee to customers for both online and in‑person credit card transactions to simplify reconciliation within the rec desk system. Staff said the city attorney and the vendor confirmed the change could be made administratively; the commission approved the staff recommendation. Motion: moved by Speaker 2; seconded by Speaker 5. Vote: motion carried.

Baumann community pool fees: The commission approved the proposed 2026 Baumann community pool fee schedule. Staff proposed raising daily admission from $5.50 to $6 and increasing resident individual and family rates to better match comparable pools in the region. Motion: moved by Speaker 2; seconded by Speaker 4. Vote: motion carried.

The meeting record shows each motion passed after voices of “aye” with no recorded opposition. Two commissioners (Michelle Bond and Aria Trucios) were excused from the meeting; five members were present for the votes. The commission asked staff to communicate fee changes and the processing fee policy to users and to update public materials and the department website.