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Bernalillo County adopts sliding fee scale for youth summer program, waives $75 teen fitness fee
Summary
Bernalillo County commissioners approved an administrative resolution establishing a sliding fee scale for the county youth summer program and amended the measure to strike a $75 fitness‑center membership fee for middle and high school students (final vote 4–1).
Bernalillo County commissioners on March 24 adopted an administrative resolution to implement a sliding fee scale for the county’s seven‑week youth summer program and removed a $75 fitness‑center membership fee for middle and high school students as an amendment to the resolution.
Deputy County Manager Danette Townsend and Andre Dixon, director of Parks, Recreation and Open Space, told the commission the change is intended to improve access for low‑ and moderate‑income families by aligning fees to federal poverty guidelines. Townsend said families at or below 325 percent of the federal poverty level (example: about $107,244 annual income for a family of four at the 325% threshold) would qualify for free enrollment; other tiers would receive reduced fees or a reduced fee of $85 per child for one bracket.
"We wanted to stay consistent with the federal poverty level and how other programs are implementing something similar," Townsend said, describing an income verification approach that will accept pay stubs or SNAP/TANF enrollment as proof.
Commissioners debated the scope and timing of the policy. Several members urged a countywide review of fees, raised questions about licensing and whether state universal childcare rules could affect county programs for children under 12, and asked staff to confirm capacity and safety protocols for teen access to fitness centers. Commissioner Olivares offered an amendment to strike the $75 fitness fee for middle and high school students, saying the small cost could deter participation; the amendment passed and was folded into the final resolution.
The resolution directs staff to open summer registration after the administrative steps are completed. Commissioners said they will receive follow‑up information (including any financial impact estimates requested by the board) as part of the budget review cycle.
The vote to adopt the resolution as amended was recorded as 4–1. The commission also discussed broader fee reviews and whether middle‑ and high‑school programming should be prioritized for county resources while state programs cover younger children.
The measure was listed on the agenda as AR2026‑36. The county manager and parks staff said they will provide additional impact information to commissioners in advance of the next budget meeting.
