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Nampa council trims senior increases after public hearing on parks and golf fees
Summary
After public testimony and staff explanations, the council approved a parks and recreation fee package but reduced senior season-pass increases (golf senior increase lowered to 2% from 3%; rec center senior increase lowered to 4% from 5%). Staff said day-pass increases and most other rates remain as proposed.
The Nampa City Council, following a public hearing on proposed Parks & Recreation fee changes, approved most of the department's recommendations while adopting a council amendment to reduce the senior season-pass increase.
Jennifer Ayala, business manager for Nampa Parks and Recreation, told the council that proposed increases respond to inflationary and operational cost pressures and to fund capital needs including the Centennial irrigation project. She summarized typical changes: about a 5% membership increase at the recreation center, 9–12.5% day-pass increases at the rec center, roughly 3% membership and 9–10% day-pass increases at the golf courses, and youth sports rises around 11–12.5%.
During public comment, golf users and seniors urged the council to consider affordability for fixed-income residents and to examine single-rider cart fees. "If you could divide the fees so seniors don't get hit disproportionately, that would be my preferred way forward," Councilman Griffin echoed during deliberations after public testimony.
Parks Director Cody Swander said the department aims to remain self-supporting and is willing to evaluate a single-rider cart fee or a reduced senior rate; he cautioned that any targeted relief must be balanced against operational needs. "We are proud that these operations are intended to operate in the black," Swander said.
Councilman Reynolds proposed and the council adopted an amendment reducing the senior season-pass increase: golf seniors will rise 2% instead of 3%, and rec center senior season passes will rise 4% instead of 5%; the amendment does not change the day-pass increases. The motion passed on roll call following discussion about alternatives such as waiving interest on outstanding golf-course loans or creating residency discounts, both of which staff said would require additional policy work.
Staff noted the total expected additional revenue from the package (most increases driven by day passes) and said the department would return with any requested unit pricing (for items like rock removal related to a capital project) or further residency/pricing options if directed by council.
