Parks and Recreation board votes to raise youth sports registration to $75

The Parks and Recreation Board voted to raise registration fees for its sports programs to $75 per child for the coming season, citing rising costs for umpires, shirts and supplies. The board also discussed and approved a modest discount structure for families and removal of a late-registration fee for fifth- and sixth-grade basketball on the resolution language.

Board members opened the discussion by saying the longstanding $65 fee no longer covers expenses. One member said umpire pay, shirts and increased material costs have pushed program budgets thin and recommended a higher fee; members compared rates charged by neighboring towns (Ripley $85, Kearny $80–85) to gauge competitiveness.

Proposals included a family discount and an incremental approach to increases: one member suggested $85 across the board while others favored $75 with a small discount for additional children. Members agreed to test $75 for this season and reassess next year, noting sign-up deadlines and the city commission approval process. A motion to set the fee at $75 and to offer a $5 discount on a second child was made, seconded and carried; the board also instructed staff to remove the late-registration fee line for fifth- and sixth-grade basketball from the resolution as it is not expected to be used.

A board member summarized the decision: "Let's let's try this for this season. Let's go $75," and the motion passed by voice vote. Members noted the change must be submitted to the city commission by July 1 to take effect with the fiscal year and that staff should compile sign-up and cost data to reassess the fee structure next year.

Implementation: the board will forward the approved fee change and resolution language to the city commission for formal adoption and will provide cost data at the next board meeting if available.