Resident objects to senior-couple pool discount as council adopts new fee structure

Carol Savage of 59 Carson Avenue told the council during the public hearing on Ordinance 20-26-07 that she is a single senior who objects to a proposed senior-couple discount and said the borough had not provided sufficient advance explanation of the rates.

"I don't feel as a citizen in Metuchen that I have to go to commission meetings during the week to find out what's going on," Savage said, adding she only learned of the proposal after contacting council members and reading a newspaper posting. She said the proposed senior-couple discount (a $60 reduction compared with the current senior rate) seemed unfair to single seniors on fixed incomes and asked the council to reconsider.

Council members and recreation staff responded in turn, noting the pool commission meets publicly and that meeting minutes and commission reports are published on the borough website. A council member said the new rate structure was developed with advice of counsel and by comparing neighboring communities, and that the senior-couple rate and other categories were intended to encourage membership growth and therefore revenue. Recreation staff (Melissa) said the portal opening was delayed to March 16 to resolve technical issues and that this is the first year for the new rate structure; staff will evaluate uptake after the season.

Council moved to pass Ordinance 20-26-07 on second reading and publish according to law; roll call votes were recorded in favor and the motion carried.

The exchange highlights resident concern about outreach and transparency around fee changes even as council members defended the policy choice as a revenue- and membership-building measure.