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Parks & Rec commission recommends unchanged facility fee schedule; commission votes to forward to council
Summary
The commission reviewed a master facility fee schedule and, after discussion of resident versus nonresident pricing and facility use, voted to recommend the schedule as presented with no fee increases effective July 1.
The Corte Madera Parks & Recreation Commission reviewed a proposed master fee schedule for facility rentals on Jan. 26 and voted to recommend the schedule to the Town Council with no changes.
Tim Berry, parks and recreation director, told commissioners the fees are for facility rentals (not program fees) and that the schedule is intentionally structured to prioritize affordability for residents and community nonprofits while charging higher rates for nonresidents and commercial users. “The philosophy is a schedule is intentionally structured to make facilities affordable and accessible to residents and community nonprofits,” he said.
Why it matters: Berry said keeping rates low for residents and nonprofits costs the town roughly $200,000 in foregone fees compared with charging market rates, but the commission and council view that as community value. Commissioners discussed tradeoffs, including that many rentals that generate revenue come from nonresidents and commercial events and that the Lions Club historically built and transferred the community center to the town.
Commission debate covered occupancy, indexing to inflation and space constraints. Commissioners asked about target occupancy rates and whether it makes sense to invest in room-dividing solutions or modular classrooms to create smaller rentable spaces; staff noted vaulted ceilings limit some retrofit options and that modular trailers in park space previously met resistance.
Motion and vote: Commissioner (speaker 12) moved to approve the fee schedule "as presented" and Commissioner (speaker 10) seconded. Rebecca conducted a roll call; Commissioners Hoskins, Stoller, Smith/Mack, Hansen, Vice Chair Condaria and Chair Miles voted yes; Commissioner Rose was absent. Chair Miles announced the motion passed.
What’s next: Berry said the commission’s recommendation will go to Town Council (anticipated at a February meeting) for adoption with an effective date of July 1. Commissioners asked staff to report back in the next budget cycle with a clearer breakdown of where scholarship and program dollars are allocated across activities and to monitor costs such as staffing and public-works support.
