Raising prices for parks programs? Cost recovery study for recreation programs and City facilities

PRCS Board Public Hearing – June 25, 7-9pm, Shoreline City Hall council chambers, 17500 Midvale Ave N, free parking in City Garage.

On June 25, the Park, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Board will hold a public hearing to gather feedback on possible cost recovery options and guiding policies for setting fees to be charged for recreation programs and facilities. The Board will also accept written comments until 5:00pm on Wednesday, June 24. Based on the results of the study and resident feedback, the Board will make a recommendation to the City Council on the proposed policies.

As one of the strategies identified in the City’s 10-Year Financial Sustainability Plan (10YFSP), PRCS has been conducting a detailed cost recovery study for our parks and recreation programs, facilities, and services.

PRCS collects a variety of fees and charges for its services and programs to reduce its reliance on subsidies from the City’s General Fund. The cost recovery study looks at how much those services and programs cost and how much is charged in fees and charges to provide them.

Costs reflect the costs of materials, operation of facilities, staff, maintenance, and overhead management. The study then looks at whether the fees and charges are appropriate or if they need to be adjusted up or down depending on budgetary needs and user willingness and ability to pay.

The PRCS Board is now looking for resident input on the proposed policies for determining fees and charges based on cost recovery information that came out of the study.

A more detailed background report here. For questions, contact PRCS Director Eric Friedli 206-801-2601.