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Staff previews 2027 fee‑policy process and potential fee adjustments; equity safeguards noted
Summary
Parks staff described the fee‑policy framework and timeline for proposed 2027 fee schedule changes, including a public‑notice period and equity provisions; staff flagged minimum‑wage and operating‑cost pressures that may require incremental fee adjustments.
City staff presented PRAB with the fee‑policy framework and a timeline for the 2027 fee schedule, emphasizing transparency, benefit‑based pricing and equity protections ahead of the 2027 budget process.
Jackson Hyatt, business services manager, described the fee policy as the guiding document and the fee schedule as an annual, detailed menu of roughly 500 items that will be published in August for 15 days of public notice under the city manager rule (Boulder Revised Code §8‑3‑8). "The fee policy is our guiding document when it comes to setting fees," he said, and staff said the schedule will show proposed percentage changes, identify increases over 10% and highlight significant program changes.
Staff emphasized equity provisions: financial aid provides a full discount for households at or below 60% of area median income and partial discounts for program fees. Staff also warned of cost pressures: the department expects minimum‑wage increases to add roughly $500,000 to the recreation activity fund in 2027, and operating costs such as chemicals and HVAC will influence revenue needs.
The board asked for supporting data on proposed changes, and staff said they will provide market‑rate studies and targeted participation data for any significant changes. The formal fee schedule is planned to be effective Jan. 1, following the city manager’s rule and the 15‑day public comment window.
