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Piedmont council adopts pool pass model, sets 40% nonresident premium
Summary
The Piedmont City Council unanimously approved a new 'build-a-pass' fee structure for the community pool that prioritizes resident benefits, sets a 40% nonresident premium for annual passes and funds a 20‑year capital reserve of about $5.08 million.
The Piedmont City Council voted unanimously to adopt the city’s recommended community pool pass model and fee schedule, a staff-backed plan designed to recover operating costs while prioritizing residents for access and registration. The motion, moved by the vice mayor and seconded by Council member Plimier, followed an extended staff and consultant presentation and council discussion.
The approved model uses a modular "build-a-pass" approach with adult, senior (65+), family and youth categories, plus add-ons and three terms (annual, summer and drop-in). Consultant Stu Isaac said the model aims for full cost recovery over the first full years of operation: "This created the build a pass model. This is unique in public facilities," he said. Staff and the Pool Advisory Committee told the council the revenue mix used in projections assumes about 40% of operating revenue from pass sales and drop-ins and about 27% from swim lessons.
Key pricing and policy details adopted by the council include a 40% nonresident premium for pass holders (lower differentials for drop-in rates), a senior and youth discount (about 25% off adult resident rates), and resident-priority program registration. Resident annual pass holders receive single-use guest passes (family annual packages include 12 single-use guest passes; individual annual pass holders receive fewer). The council also approved a long-term capital reserve goal of roughly $5,086,000 over 20 years to fund maintenance and replacement costs.
Council members pressed staff on mechanics and equity: how add-ons compare to family pass pricing, whether city and school district employees should qualify for resident rates, and how the city will support low-income residents. Recreation Director Shelley Putzer said a longstanding fee-assistance program exists for some activities but will be reviewed and updated to consider pool passes. The council asked staff to monitor sales and revenue and return with recommended adjustments if targets are not met.
The full recommendation from staff and the Pool Advisory Committee passed on a roll-call vote with all council members recorded as "Aye."
