Radford council adopts higher recreation fees, hears July 3 plans and Hurricane Helene recovery update

Radford City Council voted to adopt a recreation commission resolution that raises most program fees to $45 and sets football and cheerleading fees at $60 for fiscal year 2027, Recreation Director Charlie Goins told the council.

Goins said the increase will allow the department to provide better uniforms and equipment; football participants will keep jerseys rather than return them, and basketball teams will receive reversible jerseys. He said families who present a Medicaid card will pay $10 per program and that vetted coaches may receive a 50 percent reduction in dues.

The presentation also described recovery work after Hurricane Helene: parks, athletic-field repairs, donor-funded scoreboard replacements and rebuilt dumpster enclosures across Bissett Park and Riverview Park. Goins said donors and partners — including local clinics and private supporters — supplied scoreboards and other help during recovery. He told council that FEMA reimburses 75 percent of eligible costs, the state reimburses 15 percent and the city’s share is typically about 5 percent.

Council members asked whether fee increases would price families out of programs. Goins said the department reviewed peer localities and structured discounts to minimize barriers. “Every anyone that is on Medicaid, long as they come with their card, their fee is $10,” he said.

Goins also previewed the city’s July 3 Independence Eve celebration at Bissett Park, including music, vendors, family activities and fireworks, and said most sponsor slots filled within 72 hours.

The council approved the resolution by voice vote. The recreation department will publish the new fee schedule and outreach information to help families find uniform sources and to explain discounts for low-income participants and coaches.