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Fraser recreation staff cites budget squeeze; proposes registration software and extended senior hours
Summary
Fraser staff told the Recreation Commission Jan. 6 that the senior programming line was reduced from $15,000 to $10,000, limiting events; staff presented a CivicPlus software quote (~$10,600 setup, ~$5,000 annually) and proposed extended senior center hours and staffing to improve access.
Fraser Recreation Department staff told the commission on Jan. 6 that shrinking programming funds are limiting services at the senior activity center and elsewhere, and recommended technological and operational changes to sustain events and access.
Coordinator (presenting the administration report) said the senior programming allocation was lowered to $10,000 from $15,000, curtailing some luncheons and larger events. She proposed extending senior center hours from roughly 9 a.m.–1 p.m. to 4–4:30 p.m. on weekdays and hiring a full-time staff member to make evening or later-afternoon programming feasible.
Commissioners discussed charging modest fees to reduce no-shows and to recoup costs for large events, while staff said the department currently lacks online registration and payment software to manage resident verification and payment collection. The coordinator reported she had solicited a quote from CivicPlus for a recreation management system: approximately $10,600 initial setup plus about $5,000 in annual fees (with periodic increases). Commissioners noted that while the up-front cost is significant, online payments could generate direct revenue for event registrations, pavilion rentals and field fees and could pay for themselves over time.
Staff said repairs to athletic fields are also required before rental programs can resume; commissioners discussed the possibility of a budget amendment or asking council to fund the software and field work during the May budget process.
Next steps noted in the meeting: staff will present refined quotes and a budget request to the city council during the May budget meeting so council can weigh software procurement, staffing and capital repairs against other city priorities.
