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Council reviews recreation center funding model, special‑purpose tax and ongoing general‑fund support
Summary
Staff told the council the recreation‑center fund relies on a mix of user fees, SPET revenue and a roughly $410,000 annual general‑fund transfer for operations; council discussed continued capital needs, SPET reporting, and outreach to highlight community benefits.
At the May 7 work session the council reviewed the financial structure for the recreation center, with staff stressing that user fees alone do not cover capital expenses and that the specific‑purpose excise tax (SPET) and general‑fund support are essential.
City staff explained the recreation center fund is a special revenue fund under the SPET framework and that proceeds and interest for the 2026 SPET will be reported separately so voters can see how revenues are allocated. Staff said the rec center currently requires about $410,000 in ongoing general‑fund support for operations while capital investment is largely funded by SPET and an endowment.
The council and staff also discussed outreach and communications used previously for a successful SPET vote and plans to use storytelling, short videos and community events to educate voters about a potential future ballot measure (the "fifth penny"). Several council members praised earlier public engagement efforts and volunteered to participate in similar outreach.
Staff said current efforts to stabilize operations and increase participation have improved cost recovery and that summer membership packages and targeted programming are planned to attract more users. No new decision on additional general‑fund support was taken at the meeting; department presentations on operations are scheduled for later work sessions.
