City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: APRIL 30, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: HASHIM TAYLOR, DIRECTOR,
RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution to Adopt Fee Changes to Increase Cost Recovery for the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) Programs for FY 2026. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of a resolution to adopt fee changes to increase cost recovery for the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA) programs for FY 2026 by establishing fees for Audio Equipment rentals, Indoor Moon Bounce and Soft play equipment rental, Youth Sports Fees update, Rental Fee Adjustments for Pools, Lee Center Auditorium Rental Fee adjustments, and Staff Support Fee adjustments.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment) as part of the FY 2026 Approved Budget. The new fees will be effective on July 1, 2025.
BACKGROUND: The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities regularly adjusts program and activity fees that include classes, camps, workshops, admissions, and other programs as needed to stay in line with market trends and cost recovery efforts. As part of the FY 2008 budget process, the Council provided the City Manager with the authority to adjust RPCA non-programmatic fees annually, with a maximum increase equal to the annual rate of inflation (CPI-U). Within this authority, the actual fee may be rounded to an administratively convenient amount to assume efficient assessment and collection of fees. Increases in fees exceeding this amount will continue to be considered by the Council. On September 24, 2013, the Council adopted the Resource Allocation and Cost Recovery Policy that guides the department’s resource allocation and will continue setting fees based on the adopted model. The recommended fee changes included in this resolution maintain the process to have the department’s fees at the appropriate cost recovery tier level. The department expects to adjust fees over time to adjust to the market and updates to the cost recovery model.
DISCUSSION: Staff proposes 1) To provide a projector and speaker w/mic for customers having conferences, meetings, and parties. 2) Use of soft play equipment and indoor moon bounce for youth birthday parties and baby showers. 3) Adjust youth sports registration fees to better align with market rates and current costs of providing these services. 4) Adjust rental fees to align with market rates and current service costs.
FISCAL IMPACT: The FY 2026 Budget includes estimated revenues of Audio Equipment rental fees $1,800, Indoor Moon Bounce and Soft Play Equipment rental fees, $12,600, Youth Sports Fee adjustment $7,315, Pool Rental Fee Adjustments $42,772, Lee Center Auditorium Fee adjustments $10,195, Staff Support Fee adjustments $32,445.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution to adopt fee increases administered by the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities for FY 2026
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
Morgan Routt, Director, Office of Management and Budget
Faye Maslaki, Division Chief, Administrative Services, RPCA