Council discusses pool fee increases and equity safeguards, tables decision for later vote

The Parowan City Council spent substantial time in a work‑session on May 28 reviewing proposed changes to fees for the city pool and recreation programs. Staff presented a set of modest fee increases aimed at reducing a general‑fund subsidy: raising daily admission from $4.00 to $4.50, increasing punch passes by $5, introducing a spectator admission, raising nonresident surcharges, and increasing evening pool rental fees (resident evening rental proposed at $200).

City recreation staff and the city manager explained higher utility and chemical costs, rising wage bills for seasonal lifeguards and the economics of evening rentals (which require four lifeguards) motivated the proposal. Staff said some fee lines — such as evening rentals priced at $1.50 previously — were operating at a loss when labor and overhead were included.

Council members expressed support for fee adjustments to stabilize the pool’s finances but voiced strong concern about affordability for low‑income families. One council member who works in local schools described the city as a Title I community and urged a formal process for scholarships or reduced rates, noting the social value of keeping children engaged in recreational activities. Staff and council discussed options including early‑purchase discounted passes, family passes, tiered rental pricing based on party size, and an anonymous sponsorship mechanism through local businesses or civic groups.

No fee changes were adopted at the meeting; council asked staff to return with concrete administrative language, options for targeted assistance for low‑income families, and clearer fee schedules and signage to make enforcement consistent for front‑line staff. Staff indicated they will incorporate better recordkeeping that separates daily admissions, punch passes, rentals and concessions in next year’s reporting to measure program performance more accurately.

Council scheduled further consideration at the next meeting to allow time for outreach and to finalize a fee schedule that balances fiscal health and access.