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Council debates Clive aquatic pass rate change and CIP solar push; asks staff for modeling
Summary
After Clive moved to a flat $60 resident seasonal pass, staff projected Urbandale's subsidy would rise to about $53,000. Councilors asked staff to model options (maintain full subsidy, partial resident share, or alternative structures). Separately, council directed staff to include solar projects (targeting Station 42/police HQ) in the CIP for further design in 2026 and possible construction in 2027.
Councilors spent significant time discussing two interlinked budget items: how to respond to Clive’s change in seasonal aquatic pass pricing and where to prioritize solar projects in the 2026–2031 CIP.
Staff reported that Clive changed its fee structure to a flat resident price of $60 and $100 for nonresidents. Under the existing reciprocal arrangement, Urbandale subsidizes the difference for its residents; staff estimated the subsidy would grow from about $35,688 last year to roughly $53,000 under the new structure, an increase near $17,331. Staff proposed a policy option to cap Urbandale’s subsidy at $30 per person rather than absorbing the full increase; staff will model family‑size impacts and alternatives before making a policy change.
Several council members urged continuing the subsidy, noting Urbandale chose not to operate an outdoor pool and that subsidizing access fills a community need. Others requested staff run scenarios showing the effect on typical household sizes (single, family of four) and the dollar impact for residents. Staff agreed to return with a spreadsheet comparing last year’s per‑household charges and the new per‑person rates so council can choose between maintaining the full subsidy, a partial subsidy, or another option.
On CIP priorities, council members urged visible renewable investments. Council directed staff to include a solar project—potentially on Fire Station 42 or as part of the police headquarters build—in the CIP for additional design work in 2026 and potential construction in 2027, balancing staff capacity and financial considerations.
What’s next: Staff will provide rate‑impact scenarios for aquatic passes and incorporate a solar project design option into the next CIP packet for council review.
