Photo Credit: Courtesy Of Washington County
From 2015 to 2018, the Washington County (Wis.) park and trail system budget, that supports roughly 1,000 acres, was reduced by more than $365,000, or 30 percent. As operating costs for the parks’ maintenance continue to rise, park fees offer an alternative to cutting expenses or raising taxes. Current annual fees per vehicle for park goers are set at $30 for a resident, $40 for a non-resident, $20 for a senior, and $5 for a daily pass. In 2018 (the first year of fees), the park and trail system netted $125,000 in new revenue. As a result of this initiative and the use of other revenues, the budget will increase in 2019, marking the first real accrual in more than five years.
For communities considering the use of fees to support their operation, here is some advice:
1. Empower your champions. It is important that you recognize the interests of your audience and are ready to address them. Stay on-point and remain confident in the beneficial purpose of the fee project.