Panama City commission tables proposed MLK Center membership fees after community proposals

The Panama City Commission on Jan. 27 moved to table a proposed membership-fee schedule for the new MLK Recreation Center after residents and community groups urged more time for review.

Jonathan Walker, a Duke University engineering student and Panama City native, told the commission the staff proposal — an annual $100 membership for residents and $200 for nonresidents — created “an all or nothing system” that could exclude many residents. “There's a large group of residents who can't comfortably pay the $100 upfront,” Walker said, and recommended a sliding-scale model tied to broad income ranges so more people could access the facility.

Gregory Dolce, representing community groups including the Bay County NAACP and Student Advocacy Center, said those organizations convened a diverse working group and drafted three alternatives: a no-fee option for all users, a no-fee option for Panama City residents only, and a sliding-scale fee structure based on federal income guidelines. Dolce asked that item 9E be pulled for full review so the entire commission could consider the community proposals.

Rufus Wood, a community organizer, praised the new facility and urged commissioners to consider the locally developed proposals and work collaboratively with civic groups.

Commissioner (speaker 9) moved to table the MLK fee item so staff could thoroughly review the community proposals; a second was offered and the motion passed by roll call (Yes: Lucas, Hughes, Mayor Branch). Commissioners requested staff return the item at the next meeting for further consideration.

The action does not change service hours or access during the interim; staff and community members will meet and prepare alternatives for the commission’s next meeting.