North Las Vegas to increase recreation fees

By Aida Ahmed

Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011 | 6:01 p.m.

After several weeks of presentations and debate, the North Las Vegas City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to increase recreation center fees in an effort to bridge the $4.4 million budget gap the city is facing.

Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Mike Henley said the city plans to implement the new fees in mid-October, with fees for some sports to increase over time. The increase will push cost recovery at the recreation centers from 31 percent to 40 percent.

“If the 40 percent cost recovery is implemented it will generate an additional $870,000,” Henley said.

The remaining 60 percent needed to run the centers would come out of the general fund.

Proposed fee prices include an $11 to $25 increase in arts classes, a $1 increase in daily fitness fees and a $5 increase for the Learn to Swim classes. Senior trips could be eliminated, and camps fees might increase.

Councilwoman Anita Wood stressed to the council that generated revenue should go back into the recreation centers.

“We need to make sure (the fee) goes back to what it’s supposed to be funding,” Wood said.

Henley agreed and said the fee increases would go into a special revenue fund for the parks and recreation department. He added that a scholarship program would be created for families who can’t afford the new fees.

Although the city has an outline of which services will see an increase, the exact changes are still being discussed.