Assembly restores staffing at Marys Tsai pool amid public outcry, approves fee changes to offset costs

Following substantial public testimony and dozens of emails, the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly voted to restore lifeguard staffing and make related budget adjustments for Marys Tsai Recreation Center.

A motion by Assemblymember Jerry Kress to add back 1.13 full‑time equivalent lifeguard positions (amendment Y8) passed unanimously (9-0). The amendment increased permanent salaries and benefits for the recreation division and added modest operating lines for pool chemicals and custodial supplies; the assembly recorded the vote as 9-0 in favor.

Why it matters: Marys Tsai provides swim lessons, adaptive programs, open‑swim and other community services. Witnesses said the pool played an outsized role in public safety and exercise programs; Assembly members who supported the change cited drown‑prevention research and testimony that the facility is heavily used for lessons that save lives.

Fee changes and package: The Assembly also considered user‑fee adjustments for Parks and Recreation (amendment G21 and related amendments), with small increases to single‑visit and super‑pass rates intended to raise revenue while minimizing the burden on households. Administration staff said they had not yet calculated full revenue impacts from the fee adjustments but warned that even small increases affect some families.

Administration comment: Matthew Boyer, parks and recreation director, told the Assembly he did not have updated revenue estimates immediately because the amendments were introduced during the meeting. Recreation superintendent Brian Charlton and aquatics manager Linda Bridal answered operational questions about hours and staffing; Bridal said recent hires allowed the department to keep Marys Tsai open later than the temporary reduced hours that had been in place.

Decision vs. discussion: The restoration (Y8) is a formal, approved allocation to keep Marys Tsai open with increased lifeguard staffing. Other measures — such as the user‑fee increases — were debated, amended and voted as part of the budget package; assemblymembers requested further public outreach on fees and possible hardship policies.

Ending: The Assembly’s moves preserve the pool’s program schedule for the coming year and direct staff to report revenue outcomes and implementation details to the Assembly.