Rawlins recreation, golf and shooting‑range fees and access changes proposed in FY2027 review

City staff and advisory boards presented several changes affecting recreation services during the FY2027 budget work session.

At the rec center, staff proposed a streamlined fee schedule that clarifies program fees and defines "family" for pricing as up to two adults and any children under 18 living in the same household. "So now we have... up to 2 adults and any children within that same household 18," Laura said when presenting the recommendation.

The golf course will pursue cart path repairs funded by a $50,000 grant with a $50,000 local match: "It's a $50/50 grant, so $50,000 of it will be paid back to us, and then we have to match $50,000," Laura said. Staff received a one‑year extension to complete the work and reported a membership uptick after a nearby course closed.

At the shooting range, advisory board vice chairman James Shearer said the board reviewed fees and recommended increases to bring local rates in line with other ranges. Shearer described an automated access system that would permit premium access and orientation fees and reduce staffing needs: "This will not only gain access to our range more for our range members, but will also make it possible to reduce our employee expenses because we won't have to have an employee there the entire all the time that we're open," he said. Legal and city manager review is pending before the board brings a proposal to council.

None of these proposals were finalized at the workshop; staff said fee proposals and the golf cart path grant will return for council action.