Thorp approves higher pool wages and fees, sets opening for June 1

The City of Thorp Council approved recommendations from the Park and Rec Board to raise seasonal pool wages, add weekend-shift incentives, increase admission and pass fees, and open the Thorp Aquatic Facility on Monday, June 1, 2026.

The Park and Rec Board recommended a $1.00 per hour wage increase for all pool positions with additional per-hour incentives for weekend shifts to address staffing shortages. The board also proposed raising fees: seasonal family passes were increased from $140 to $160 for residents and from $180 to $200 for non-residents; the per-additional-family-member fee (beyond six members) rose from $15 to $20 for residents and from $20 to $25 for non-residents. Individual passes moved from $45 to $60 for residents and from $60 to $75 for non-residents. Daily admission increased from $5 to $7; punch cards increased from $40 to $50. Swimming lesson pricing changed from $25 to $45 for those holding season passes and from $50 to $70 for those without season passes.

Council approved the recommendations by M/M/S (Lawcewicz, Abramczak) with a recorded vote of 4-0. Meeting minutes note the wage increases, incentives, fees, and the June 1, 2026 opening date were approved as recommended. The minutes do not specify the total budgetary impact or whether the fee increases are sufficient to offset the higher wage costs.