Oak Harbor proposes parks fee changes to increase cost recovery; debate centers on porta-potties and commissary fees

At the May 26 Oak Harbor workshop, Deputy City Administrator and Finance Director David Goldman presented proposed changes to the city's master fee schedule as they relate to parks and recreation.

Goldman said staff recommended a 5% baseline adjustment for labor inflation, targeted cost-recovery for some externally provided services, and a shift back to a per-participant model for youth leagues. The presentation proposed an $11 per-participant league fee (with $2 for tiny-tots sessions and $15 for select soccer), a concession-stand monthly rate reduced from $500 to $200, and a new hourly rate of $10 for networks such as tennis and pickup basketball; a $10 hourly rate for future pickleball courts was included to anticipate demand. The plan also added a new commissary kitchen commercial rate of $25/hour, a $75 fully refundable cleaning deposit, and a $20 charge per 24 consecutive hours for refrigerated commissary storage.

On portable restrooms, staff proposed cost recovery for city-provided portable restrooms: a $27/month standard unit price and (as presented) $259/month for an ADA unit at larger sites; staff explained those figures reflect contracted servicing and frequency of emptying. Council members pushed back, asking whether it would be more cost-effective for the city to purchase and maintain its own units for frequent events, and noting vandalism and servicing frequency increase overall costs.

Goldman presented a fiscal snapshot for 2025: parks and recreation gross expenditures of about $3.2 million (net $2.9 million after grant-covered activities) and direct park revenues of about $376,000. He calculated direct revenues covered roughly 12.9% of net parks expenditures in 2025; staff said trend analysis will be provided during the budget process to show year-over-year changes as the department's programs mature.

Council members probed operational details. Council Member Peterson pressed staff to clarify the commissary refrigeration fees and how check-in/out charges would apply; Craig (recreation coordinator) explained the refrigeration fee is a separate overnight charge while check-in/out are billed as separate rental transactions, and that staff structured rates to reflect the limited refrigeration space and the needs of food-truck users and cottage-industry vendors. Council Member Marshall and others asked whether porta-potty rentals might be cheaper over time if the city purchased units, or if grant funding could help install permanent restrooms at key parks; staff said they are exploring grant options and partnering with other agencies for long-term facilities.

Goldman said much of the fee schedule will be revisited during the fall budget process and that staff may return with additional proposals and clearer implementation guidance. Council did not take formal action at the workshop; comments will inform the budget and final ordinance drafting.