Waukesha City board approves 2027 winter–spring recreation fees, citing wage pressures

Waukesha City officials voted unanimously to approve the 2027 winter–spring recreation program fees and charges after staff said most class prices will remain unchanged while a few targeted increases are needed to cover rising labor costs.

Recreation staff presented an offering of 588 classes: 281 youth classes, 119 before‑and‑after‑school offerings (including day‑off and early‑release programs), 99 adult classes, 71 older‑adult classes and 18 family classes. Staff said the lineup closely mirrors last year’s schedule.

Mark Thompson (Recreation staff) told the board the only contractual provider increase is a roughly 4% rise for Skyhawks. He also identified the men’s basketball league as the only league fee appearing in this schedule; soccer prices were previously approved for an earlier season. Staff emphasized that many classes remain at current rates to preserve affordability.

On the youth side, staff said before‑and‑after‑school programs will see a modest increase of $1 per month to offset wage and supply increases. A separate foxtail 3K program will see an 8% increase; staff attributed that change primarily to higher hourly wages for instructors, which have risen from about $13 per hour to roughly $18 per hour and required pay adjustments for assistant and lead teachers.

Staff also highlighted programs that remain free to participants because of outside funding: ballroom basics received grant support from ProHealth, and trauma‑sensitive yoga continues through a partnership with the Resilience Center; Waukesha County CHIP was also cited as an initiative supporting some free classes.

A brief clarification exchange noted differences between before‑ and after‑school pricing are driven by total hours of care. After questions, Chair moved to approve the fees and charges schedule; the motion was seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote.

The board also approved the May 18, 2026 minutes earlier in the meeting by voice vote. The fees and charges approval is effective for the upcoming registration and program cycle; staff will publish the activity guide and open registration as scheduled.