Billings council approves parks fee increase, adds 10% senior pool discount and 140% nonresident rate amid privacy concerns

The Billings City Council voted unanimously Jan. 27 to adopt a one-year parks, recreation and public-lands fee schedule that the parks division said will narrow operating deficits and reflect rising costs.

Gavin, a parks department staff member who presented the proposal, told the council the adjustments would likely bring about $105,975 in additional revenue and help offset wage and maintenance cost increases since 2020. "Since 2020, for instance, lifeguard wages have gone up 35% — that's about $82,000," Gavin said, also citing increases in pool-chemical and wading-pool wages.

The resolution passed after two council amendments. Councilmember Nese's amendment to add a 10% senior discount for pool rates (65 and older), rounded down to the nearest dollar, passed on a voice/hand count. Councilmember Nese also successfully moved to set nonresident fees at 140% of the resident rate — rounded up to…