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Tazewell manager proposes modest increases to pool, shelter and pavilion fees to help balance FY27 budget
Summary
Town manager presented a draft FY27 budget and proposed modest increases to pool admission and rental fees, a standardized shelter pricing structure, and higher Pavilion/American Legion rental rates to help the town cover rising operating and utility costs.
Town manager (S6) presented a draft FY27 budget at a Tazewell council work session and asked council to consider raising several user fees — not taxes — for recreational facilities and rentals to reduce subsidy from the general fund.
"When I say rates, I'm not talking taxes. I'm not, I'm not recommending any kind of tax increase," S6 said, introducing proposals aimed at recovering operating costs for the Lincolnshire pool, splash pad and Aqua Park. He recommended raising Monday–Thursday pool admission from $4 to $5 and Friday–Sunday (when the Aqua Park is included) from $5 to $7; party rental fees would change from $100/2 hours and $200/4 hours to $150/2 hours and $300/4 hours to better cover lifeguards and lighting.
Councilors debated the likely effect on attendance and equity. S3 urged caution, citing prior discussions that higher pricing had reduced participation, while S4 noted small incremental increases could be acceptable if they help balance the budget. S6 said the town does not aim to profit from the pool but to break even and listed rising wages, electricity and chemical costs as drivers of the recommendation.
The manager also proposed standardizing shelter rental fees to $25 for 3 hours, $50 for 6 hours and $75 for 12 hours and recommended increasing rates for the American Legion building (current low rent and utility responsibility by the town) and for the new Clint River Pavilion (with proposed stricter noise limits after 10 p.m.). S6 outlined marketing ideas for the pavilion, including a kickoff event and Farmers Market scheduling, and recommended allowing nonprofits and town-affiliated groups reduced or no advertising fees on an electronic fire-department sign while charging commercial advertisers.
Council agreed generally to the approach of modest, competitive increases and asked staff to fine-tune numbers and operational details (capacity limits, policing, signage and interagency arrangements) for formal adoption in the budget process. No formal fee ordinance was voted at the session.
The council adjourned after additional budget items were discussed.
