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Council approves 3% increase in winter program fees after debate over family cap
Summary
After debate about affordability, the council approved a 3% increase to winter program fees for the 2025–26 season; staff said the increase would generate about $4,000 toward a roughly $30,000 program shortfall, and one council member voted against the measure.
The East Grand Forks City Council approved a 3% increase to the city’s 2025–26 winter recreation program fees after council members and staff debated program costs and the removal of a family cap.
Council member Dale Helms objected to the increase and said rising fees could push families away: "I just want to... I'm gonna be voting no on this because I think we're getting really high… If you got 3 or 4 kids in this parks and rec, that's quite costly," he said.
Parks and recreation staff (Jeremy King) told the council program revenue in winter activities was roughly $150,000 while the cost to run programming was about $180,000; King said a 3% fee adjustment would add about $4,000 in revenue. King also clarified the family-cap discount had been removed at the end of the 2022 winter season as part of prior budget decisions to reduce the program revenue shortfall.
Other council members said the program brings indirect benefits to local businesses and that a modest increase helps close a predictable cost gap while continuing city subsidies for participants. After roll call, the motion carried with Helms casting the lone no vote.
The approved fees are for the 2025–26 winter season; staff will implement the updated fee schedule and monitor enrollment and revenue.
