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Cub Scout leaders urge Fortuna to restore free access to Rec Hall, citing new $32/hour charge
Summary
Leaders of Fortuna Cub Scout Pack 47 told the council that a newly applied $32/hour rental fee and loss of closet storage threaten the pack’s ability to operate and asked that the city honor the parks-and-rec nonprofit waiver policy or work toward an affordable solution.
Jessica Payne, a Fortuna resident, told the council that Cub Scout Pack 4047 has used the Fortuna Rec Hall—historically known as “Scout Hall”—for years without charge and was recently told it would be charged $32 an hour and could no longer use a storage closet for scouting supplies. "We are a nonprofit organization and have never been charged before to use the building," Payne said.
Vicky Brown, a den leader for Pack 47, provided a cost breakdown, saying the group meets roughly 36 times a year with about 20 meetings at the Rec Hall and estimated an added $2,000 in annual costs if the fee stands. She said the pack has relied on fundraisers and asked the council to apply the Parks & Recreation policy that waives facility rental fees for registered nonprofits or otherwise find an affordable, phased approach. City staff responded that the FY 24–25 fee-schedule changes removed many nonprofit waivers and that Parks & Rec has attempted to reach the pack for a year; staff offered to continue conversations about a gradual fee transition.
