Fergus Falls council asks staff to negotiate YMCA lifeguard coverage after fee increase

The Fergus Falls City Council discussed lifeguard coverage at Pebble Beach on Feb. 27 after Public Works Director Brad Hill said the YMCA requested $35,000 to provide lifeguarding services this year, $10,000 more than prior years. Hill told the council the park board recommended not renewing the contract at the higher price and noted a reduction in lifeguard hours in recent years.

Council members asked detailed questions about the YMCA proposal, including the proposed eight-week schedule and daily coverage (noted in the discussion as roughly 1:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.). Several members raised concerns that the city’s $25,000 line in the budget could not accommodate the YMCA’s $35,000 request and discussed scaled-back options: reducing daily hours, offering coverage five days instead of seven, or splitting shifts to reduce hourly commitments while still providing staffed windows.

A councilor moved that staff approach the YMCA with a $25,000 counterproposal and explore alternatives, and the motion was seconded. Members debated practical staffing challenges — that very short shifts may not attract applicants and lifeguard break/coverage rules require overlapping staff — and suggested Monday–Friday staffing or other compromises to make the job viable for workers.

The presiding officer then moved to direct staff to return with recommendations after further conversation with the YMCA; the council approved the motion by voice vote. The council did not adopt a binding contract amendment at the meeting; staff will report back with options, schedules and any recommended agreement for council consideration.