Recreation officials defend higher summer-camp payroll, seek enrollment data

Recreation staff described program growth and budget pressure on March 26, saying most of the proposed increase in the recreation budget stems from part‑time payroll to cover expanded playground and camp offerings, lifeguard competitiveness and minimum‑wage increases.

The department said playground and teen camps served about 725 children in 2023 at a fee of $125 per child for seven weeks. Staff and the mayor explained many recreation revenues and expenses are tracked in a separate non‑lapsing fund (Fund 35), so the general‑fund book shows net amounts rather than gross program receipts. Recreation emphasized that lifeguards and experienced counselors command higher pay and the department must budget competitively to recruit and retain them.

Council members raised specific requests for historical enrollment, no‑show and vacancy data before considering permanent payroll increases. Several councilors said they want multi‑year figures so the council can judge whether fee changes deter enrollment. Staff said they would supply additional data and noted the department aims to avoid turning families away while balancing budget risks.

Why it matters: larger part‑time payroll requests could affect general‑fund outlays or fees charged to families; the council sought data to judge whether the town should maintain or scale back the requested staffing.

Next steps: Recreation will provide historical program enrollment and no‑show data and clarify Fund 35 revenue and expense treatment for council review before final budget votes.