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Debate over Budlong Pool fees: council hears attendance data and options for residents
Summary
Council members discussed Budlong Pool operations and a modest fee increase tied to inflation and federal funding rules; staff reported opening-week daily attendance of 370–540 and 445 season passes sold so far while council members debated resident vs. nonresident pricing and a revolving account to retain revenue.
Council discussion on July 20 focused on Budlong Pool's first week of operation, fee-setting and usage data as city officials and council members sought clarity on how admission prices were determined and whether residents should be charged.
Nicole Renzulli, speaking as communications director for Parks and Recreation, said officials used an infrastructure-cost inflation estimate of approximately 31% since 2019 to inform fee changes and compared peer cities when setting rates. She gave examples: general admission for ages 5–17 moved from $5 to $8, resident season passes from $50 to $60 and resident family passes from $100 to $120. Renzulli also said the pool was largely paid for with federal funds and that federal funding requires the facility be open to all, which informed nonresident access rules.
Renzulli reported opening-week daily attendance counts of 370–540 and said 445 season passes had been sold so far; she added staff are tracking peak-swim counts and daily totals and will provide further breakdowns by resident vs. nonresident on request. "We have not reached capacity in the pool at any day and that no one has been turned away," she said.
Council members debated whether residents should be charged. Councilman Ritz and others proposed considering a zero fee for Cranston residents while keeping higher nonresident fees; Councilman Traficante and others recalled earlier eras when residents were charged little or nothing for pool access. Several council members suggested collecting more data — including weather and hourly attendance — to better evaluate fees next season.
Council members also discussed revenue management and asked whether pool income should be held in a restricted/revolving account for Parks and Recreation rather than absorbed into the general fund. Director Murry said pool receipts are currently recorded in a general fund revenue line but acknowledged the council could consider a restricted account during budgeting.
Next steps: administration will provide detailed attendance and revenue breakdowns (including resident vs. nonresident counts and weather-adjusted usage) and consider whether to propose a dedicated revolving account for pool receipts during the budget process.
