Chapter 3.68
CITY PARKS AND RECREATION FEES

Sections:

3.68.010    Authorization.

3.68.020    Advertisement of fees.

3.68.030    Exclusions.

3.68.040    Standards for setting fees and charges.

3.68.010 Authorization.

The director of parks and recreation is authorized to set reasonable fees and charges for the use of city recreation programs and facilities, including but not limited to, classes, performances, leagues, senior center activities, buildings, picnic shelters and ball fields. Such fees shall be based on policies established by this chapter and such fees shall be approved by the mayor. (Ord. 4406 § 1, 1990.)

3.68.020 Advertisement of fees.

The fees shall be advertised through regular park department publications and remain in effect for a minimum of three months. (Ord. 4406 § 2, 1990.)

3.68.030 Exclusions.

The establishment of Auburn Golf Course and Mountain View Cemetery fees are excluded from this chapter. (Ord. 4406 § 3, 1990.)

3.68.040 Standards for setting fees and charges.

The setting of fees and charges for the use of city parks and recreation facilities and for participation in parks and recreation programs shall be in accordance with the following policies:

A. Recreation Program Fees.

1. Program fees for classes, workshops and clinics will cover expenses related to part-time staff, supplies, facility usage, miscellaneous costs and a 35 percent administrative charge. The maximum administrative charge is $10.00.

2. Adult and youth athletic leagues which register as a team will be charged an entry fee to cover part-time staff, supplies, facility use, offi-cials/umpires and a 25 percent administrative charge.

3. A special event fee (a special event is a one-time community activity) will cover, at a minimum, 100 percent of the supply costs.

B. Senior Center Program Fees.

1. Senior adult van and car transportation fees will be based on projected mileage and the senior center mileage fee schedule.

2. Senior adult class and workshop fees shall cover 100 percent of the instructor and/or college fees, material costs, lab fees, and field trip transportation fees. No fees will be charged for drop-in activities at the senior center.

3. Senior adult trip fees shall cover 100 percent of the direct costs and the established senior center mileage fee schedule.

4. Hike and sports team travel fees will be charged according to established senior center mileage fee schedule.

5. Senior adult athletic team fees will cover the cost of league fees and uniforms not covered by team sponsorships.

6. Senior adult charges for food cooperative items shall, over the course of the year, cover the direct costs for food items, packaging supplies and mileage according to the city’s mileage reimbursement policy.

7. Senior adult special meal ticket fees will, over the course of the year, cover the cost of food and beverage items, supplies and appropriate entertainment fees.

8. Pop machine fees will cover the cost of pop and machine lease.

9. Senior adult coffee and movie refreshments will be provided on a “donations accepted” basis with donations designed to cover 100 percent of the cost of coffee and supplies over the course of the year.

10. “Live Embers” program brochure subscription fees will cover the cost of postage.

11. Congregate Meals and Home-Delivered Meals on Wheels suggested donations and fees will be established by Senior Services of Seattle/King County, meal-providers, according to federal, state and county guidelines.

C. Arts and Community Event Fees. The arts commission shall recommend whether or not a fee will be charged based on the type of event, location, sponsorship and grant funding. If a fee is to be charged, the arts commission will recommend a fee to cover the cost of the event expenses based on projected attendance.

D. Developmentally Disabled Program Fees. The fee charged for participation in developmentally disabled programs will cover at least 100 percent of the supply costs.

E. Facility/Equipment Rental Fees.

1. A fee will be charged for the rental and maintenance of facilities and equipment to cover estimated utility, supervisory, maintenance and supply costs.

2. Department sponsored youth, senior, arts commission performances and developmentally disabled programs will not be charged a facility rental or maintenance fee.

3. Upon written request and approval of the park board, the Auburn School District, Green River Community College, Auburn Jr. Football, Auburn Soccer Club and other Auburn youth serving organizations as approved by the park board may use athletic fields at no charge for youth or student activities. If maintenance is required, a fee will be charged to cover expenses.

F. Miscellaneous Fees.

1. Nonresident Fee. Nonresidents which register for recreation programs will be charged an additional fee. The nonresident fee will be 25 percent of the program fee or $2.00, whichever is greater. Drop-in recreation programs and tournaments are excluded from this fee.

2. Capital Improvement Fee.

a. A capital improvement fee will be charged to all adult programs which use city-owned athletic facilities; i.e., ball diamonds, soccer fields, football fields, for league or tournament play.

b. A fee will also be charged to nondepartment sponsored leagues or organizations which use department owned facilities, unless otherwise approved by the park board. The fee will be at the same rate as department sponsored programs.

c. The capital improvement fee will be five percent to 40 percent of the established registration fee.

3. Refund Fee. A fee may be charged to individuals requesting refunds for programs or facilities. The fee for refunds will be a minimum of $2.00 and no more than 100 percent of the fee paid.

G. Program Sponsorship Fees. Sponsorship may be solicited from individuals, businesses or service organizations to cover a portion or all of an activity expense. The fee charged will depend on the program expense.

H. Low Income Fee Policy.

1. General Policies.

a. The applicant must qualify under the family income guidelines established by the city. The family income guidelines will be determined by the following:

i. The “United States Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Program Income Guidelines,” as they currently exist or as they may be amended in the future, will be used as the basis for establishing the family income guidelines.

ii. Funding will be available at 100 percent, 75 percent, 50 percent and 25 percent levels depending on the family gross yearly income, as computed based on the most current quarter.

iii. The Child Nutrition Program Income Guidelines are established as the 100 percent, 75 percent, 50 percent and 25 percent funding levels qualifying family income levels.

b. Any individual qualifying for a partial fee funding level shall pay the unfunded portion of the fee prior to participation.

c. Funding under this policy will only apply to Auburn parks and recreation department sponsored activities.

d. To be eligible, an applicant must live within the corporate limits of the city of Auburn.

2. Youth Policies. An applicant age 17 and under may receive a reduction or elimination of fees for a maximum of one activity per quarter. (The reduction or elimination of fees will mean a reduction in park department revenue to the general fund.)

3. Adult Policies.

a. An applicant over 17 years of age may receive funding if money becomes available through donations from private sources.

b. An applicant over 17 years of age may receive funding for one activity a year. Activities exempt from funding include league fees and extended travel. The city will determine the amount of the low income fee reduced fee rate or discount, and the applicant will be required to pay the difference between the activity registration fee and the low income fee reduced fee rate or discount prior to participation. (Ord. 5765 § 1, 2003; Ord. 5056 § 2, 1998; Ord. 4428 § 1, 1990; Ord. 4406 § 4, 1990.)