Using NLV community centers could get most costly

By Aida Ahmed

Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011 | 6:16 p.m.

Residents who fought for North Las Vegas pools and recreational centers may be getting their wish, but at a price.

Parks and recreation consultant Leon Younger told the North Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday that a fee increase is necessary to raise revenue at Silver Mesa Recreation Center and Neighborhood Recreation Center, as well as with city senior citizen programs.

“The goal is to get the Parks and Recreation Department from 32 percent price recovery to 40 percent,” Younger said. “The cost (to run) the two recreation centers is about $1.2 million.”

Younger said the preliminary fee increases could raise recreation revenue by $1 million. Changes could include raising the $4 daily rec center fee to $5, the senior program fee from $3 to $10 and the sports field fee from $8 to $20. Individual classes such as crafts, pottery and kids cooking could cost $20 to $30 more.

Younger also proposed a scholarship program for citizens who cannot afford to pay for services at community centers.

Acting city Finance Director Al Noyola told the council in July that a $6.1 million gap remains in the budget. After numerous layoffs, Noyola said the next step had to be cuts in supplies and services such as pools and senior community centers.

Residents protested with petitions urging the council to find a way to keep the centers open. Although many said they would rather see the North Las Vegas Police Union give concessions, they said they would do anything to keep the centers from closing, including paying more to use them.

The council will consider Younger’s recommendations, but will not make fee-increase decisions for at least two weeks.