City considers fee increases for youth City considers fee increases for youth (April 30, 2004)

Council could raise school, camp fees

By Corey Pride

With the status of the city's budget in flux, a city council committee met Monday to discuss possible fee increases for services provided to children.

After considering changes to preschool and camp fees, the three-member committee decided not to make any recommendations to the city council until the Parks and Recreation Commission reviews the issue.

The commission is part of the Community Services Department that oversees the youth programs.

There are two contingency plans for budget cuts. The second of the two would eliminate the preschool program. Either of the two proposals could be implemented in the 2004-2005 budget if the state cuts funding to the city of Mountain View.

Council member Matt Neely said he does not believe it is necessary for the youth services committee to make a recommendation until after the next commission meeting.

"I would say 'yeah, don't cut preschool' but I don't think we even need to get into that yet," Neely said.

The cost-recovery study was conducted by Maximus, a private consulting firm. Some of the proposed changes made by the firm include raising the costs per hour of preschool camp from $4 to $5, elementary camp $2 to $3 and teen camp $2 to $3.

Council member Nick Galiotto said he does not see increasing fees as harsh.

"We've dropped pretty far behind our neighbors. If you look at what other park and recreation departments are charging, we are far below in our fees," Galiotto said. "That's why the increases seem so drastic."

Neely said he understands fees in Mountain View are lower than other cities and he likes it that way.

Another issue the committee took up was space in recreation classes and the fee waivers available to people with low incomes. In 2002 a policy was implemented that allowed every family that qualified for a free or reduced lunch in the Mountain View-Whisman School District to receive a fee waiver for youth programs and services. The programs and services waivers have contributed to an overall city subsidy of $2.1 million.

Neely asked if an increase in fees would increase the number of fee waivers being given.

Interim recreation manager Nadine Levin said she doesn't think more people would receive fee waivers if fees rise.

"The only way fees go up is if incomes go up," she said. "The only way you qualify for a fee waiver is if your income is at a certain level. So just because fees go up doesn't mean fee waivers go up."

A budget will be adopted by the city council in June just before the current fiscal year ends. No cuts or fee increases will take effect before that time.

E-mail Corey Pride at intern@mv-voice.com

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