Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director of Parks and Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Public Hearing to Consider Parks and Community Services Proposed Updated Fee Schedule
REPORT IN BRIEF
Hold a public hearing to consider the proposed Parks and Community Services fee schedule.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2025-75, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving Parks and Community Services program and service fees.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than recommended by staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to the City Manager for reconsideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion); or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
DISCUSSION
Mission and Cost Recovery
Parks and Community Services is called to plan, facilitate, promote, maintain, and develop activities and facilities that enhance the quality of life in the City of Merced. The Department serves through two capacities: direct services such as programs and events and indirect services such as field and facility rentals. In order to provide these services at a level that meets community demand the department employs a cost recovery method through the adoption of fees set by City Council.
Increased Expenses
A significant segment of staffing in the department is made up of part time staff whose positions are funded at or around minimum wage. Increases in these wages have a major impact on expenses of the Department. Since the most recent fee schedule was adopted in 2023, California minimum wage has increased about 10%. Likewise, operational costs for equipment, materials, and supplies have also increased at approximately 10%. Increased resource allocation due to vandalism have also increased costs for field and facility maintenance.
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