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North Wilkesboro approves lifeguard pay increase, schedules public hearing on pool fee changes
Summary
The board approved a pay-scale change that raises lifeguard starting pay to $12 per hour (with step increases and incentives) and called a public hearing May 5 on Parks & Recreation fee schedule changes aimed at moving Smoot Park Pool toward break-even operations.
The Board of Commissioners on April 7 approved a lifeguard pay increase and scheduled a public hearing on recommended pool fee changes.
Parks & Recreation Director Nate Reavis presented proposed adjustments designed to move Smoot Park Pool closer to break-even, including separate resident and nonresident fees and a new family season pass. Directors and commissioners compared local rates: the transcript reports Elkin charges $5 for some fees and other nearby providers range from $10 to $15 depending on service. The board voted to call a public hearing on May 5 to consider amendments to the Parks & Recreation fee schedule.
On the pay-scale question, commissioners discussed regional wage comparisons and estimated the proposed wage increases would cost about $15,863 annually. Commissioner Michael Parsons moved to increase lifeguard starting pay to $12 per hour (rising to $12.50 after 30 days), with a $13 return incentive and a $10-per-week concessions stipend; Commissioner Kristopher Hurley seconded and the motion passed unanimously (5-0).
Manager Eddie Holland confirmed that adopting the increase would raise a returning guard’s pay to $13 under the proposed scale. The changes are subject to future budget adjustments and the public hearing on fees will give the board a chance to review resident vs. nonresident rates and the proposed season pass.
