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Swisher council adopts new pavilion fees, $100 key deposit after Park & Rec recommendation
Summary
After debate about steep increases, the council approved Park & Rec board recommendations with a compromise fee structure (large pavilion $50, small $20, lights $25) and a $100 key deposit for concession access; members flagged potential effects on local tournaments.
Swisher City Council voted to adopt an updated pavilion reservation form and a revised fee schedule recommended by the Park & Recreation board, approving a compromise fee structure and a $100 key deposit for concession access.
Staff presented the Park & Rec recommendations, noting large percentage increases to some fees that prompted concern among council members about affordability for longstanding community events. One council member cautioned that a large jump could force the town’s traditional softball tournament to stop, saying the increased cost “could officially cancel” the tournament. Another member responded that the higher rates will return revenue to park maintenance and future upgrades.
After back-and-forth about lighting fees, scoreboard access and deposit administration, council members settled on a compromise that was characterized in discussion as $50 for the large shelter, $20 for the small shelter, $25 for lights and a $100 key deposit for concession access. A motion to adopt the modified fee structure and reservation-language changes was made and carried.
Council asked staff to provide clearer rental rules and to consider a deposit or damage protection approach for the scoreboard and controller instead of charging a recurring user fee.
Next steps: staff will update the pavilion reservation form and fee page with the adopted fees and bring clarifying language about deposits and scoreboard protection to a subsequent meeting if necessary.
