City of Alexandria, Virginia
________________
MEMORANDUM
DATE: APRIL 24, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: HASHIM T. 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 2027
BODY
_________________________________________________________________
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 2027 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 the City Council adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment) as part of the FY 2027 Approved Budget. The new fees will be effective on July 1, 2026.
BACKGROUND: The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities regularly adjusts program and activity fees, including classes, camps, workshops, admissions, and other programs, as needed to align with market trends and cost recovery efforts. As part of the FY 2008 budget process, the Council authorized the City Manager to adjust RPCA nonprogrammatic fees annually, with a maximum increase equal to the annual rate of inflation (CPIU). 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, which guides the department’s resource allocation and will continue to set 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 adjusting Youth Sports Registration fees, City Marina fees, Park Rental fees, Party Package fees, Parking Permit fees, Out of School Time Program (“OSTP”) fees, Film and Photograph fees, Special Event Application fees, and Trail Rental fees to align with market rates, current service costs, and fees charged by surrounding jurisdictions. New fees are proposed for Power-Full Fun Days supplemental program on days when ACPS is closed for Teacher Workdays and designated Holidays.
FISCAL IMPACT: The FY 2027 Budget includes estimated revenues of the City Marina fee $29,367, Party Package fee $4,680, Parking Permit fee $5,700, Power-Full Fun Day fee $139, 825, Youth Sport User fee $51,495, OSTP full rate fee $55,000, Film and Photography fee $4,100, Park Rental fee $13,800, Special Event Application fee $8,500, Trail Rental fee $4,500.
ATTACHMENTS:
FY27 RPCA Fee Resolution
STAFF:
Alethea Predeoux, Deputy City Manager
Morgan Routt, Director, Office of Management and Budget
Hashim Taylor, Director, Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA)