Title
Resolution to Approve FY 2027 Fee Adjustments for the Community Services Area
Memorandum
Attached for your consideration and approval is a resolution authorizing fee adjustments and new fees for FY 2027. Annually, in conjunction with the preparation of the budget, Service Units review fee revenues to determine if the costs of the services rendered are covered by their fees or are appropriate in relation to comparative data.
When determining cost to serve, Service Units consider when fees were last increased and increases in expenses such as labor, materials and supplies, equipment, and overhead costs.
Community Services is proposing fee increases in Parks and Recreation Services for new activation programming within parks.
The attached proposed fee adjustment document shows proposed fees for some of the new types of programming that Parks has stated over the last year. While Parks will continue to offer events and programs for free, some programs have higher costs and demand that Parks hopes to have some cost recovery on. Parks have suggested an up-to fee as this programming can vary considerably based on the activity. Types of lessons include dance, art, environmental education and others that could have significantly different costs to operate beyond staff time. Parks will continue to evaluate programming and costs to ensure value and costs are appropriate.
All proposed fee increases have a corresponding comparative data document. These documents compare our proposed fees to those charged in other communities for similar programs or services. The proposed fees, when compared to those charged by other communities are competitive and typically more affordable than most. As a reminder, Parks & Recreation awards scholarships to income-eligible Ann Arbor resident families. Scholarships are awarded based on need and there is not a limit on the number awarded.
Attached are the recommended fee changes for Parks and Recreation Services. Staff is recommending that Council approve these fee changes.
The Park Advisory Commission will review Parks fees at their April 21, 2026 meeting and provide a written recommendation in a separate communication to Council.
Attachments: FY2027 Fees Parks
FY2027 Comparative Data Activation Programming Fees
Staff
Prepared by: Josh Landefeld, Parks and Recreation Manager
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Kim Buselmeier, Financial Manager
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, All Service Units of the City review their fees each year as part of the budget process;
Whereas, Parks and Recreation Services has reviewed their fees as part of the FY2027 budget submittal; and
Whereas, The proposed fees are based upon the cost of providing services or on market comparative data;
RESOLVED, That fees for Parks and Recreation Services are adjusted according to the attached schedules;
RESOLVED, That the attached fee schedules are effective according to the dates in the attached schedules; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is authorized to take all appropriate actions to implement this resolution.