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Council presses Parks staff on funding, fees and staffing for proposed Aquatic Center expansion
Summary
Councilors asked how the proposed Aquatic Center expansion would affect parks staffing and the general fund, whether fees would rise, and how fundraising would be organized; staff said current full‑time staffing (15 FTE) can support consolidated operations but part‑time help and a refined fundraising plan will be needed.
Councilors used the feasibility presentation to press staff on three fiscal dimensions: operations, revenue and fundraising. Councilor Brownson asked whether the projected $230,000 increase in annual revenue would reduce reliance on the general fund. Parks Director Jonah Dart McLean said the $230,000 figure derives from consultant market analysis and that the department’s goal is to move toward a more self‑sustaining revenue stream, though details would depend on final design, pricing and programming.
Councilor Davis pressed whether fee changes would price out current users; staff said the initial approach would be to increase participation and membership rather than sharply raising fees, and the design could include separate access points so lap swimmers are not charged the same as gym users. On fundraising, Brownson asked if staff would form a volunteer fundraising group or handle outreach internally; McLean said staff have not yet done outreach and that a mix of staff, outside fundraising partners or a dedicated campaign group are possibilities to be decided with council as the plan develops.
