Title
a. Consider updates to the Park fees for recovering costs related to the use of County parks; and
b. Provide a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors regarding updates to Park fees in Article V of the of the Monterey County Fee Resolution.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Parks Commission:
a. Receive a report on recommended updates to the Park fees for recovering costs related to the use of County parks; and
b. Recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve updates to Park fees in Article V of the of the Monterey County Fee Resolution.
SUMMARY:
RMA has identified the need to reorganize and update the current Fee Article V - Parks User Fees that have not been updated since September 30, 2014. Staff proposes changes to both the organization and content of the current fee schedule:
1. Organization. Fees are organized by park, leading to inconsistencies and duplication of fees creating confusion and making it difficult for staff to implement. For instance, there are currently 10 different day use vehicle entry fees on the fee schedule ranging from $5 to $15. Removing reference to specific parks allows staff to apply fees when new parks are added like the County-owned open spaces lands and Travel Camp in the former Fort Ord area.
2. Content. In working with the current fee schedule, RMA identified several park activities for which there is no fee established, such as walk-in or bike-in entry for day use. Also, some fee units are difficult to implement and erosive of fee value, such as vehicle entry included in the price for group picnic areas. These content issues are contributing to a troubling state of park finances. Staff is proposing changes that create opportunities to recover overlooked costs.
3. Inconsistencies. Upon review of the current fee schedule, staff uncovered several inconsistencies between policy set by ordinance and policy language included in the fee schedule. This resolution seeks to strip all poli...
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