MLT passes new rec fees

Published 8:25 pm Tuesday, November 15, 2011

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — Recreation and Parks fees will stay flat in 2012 for most programs, including aquatics and before- and after-school programs.

The Mountlake Terrace City Council approved the fees for 2012-16 during a Nov. 7 meeting.

Many fees that had been scheduled to go up next year will instead remain at their current levels. Others will go down, and some will increase.

Councilman Rick Ryan credited staff for the move. “You’ve taken into account the economy and how people are struggling,” Ryan said.

Programs that will see fees go down include teen and specialty camps, pool rental fees, swim lessons and drop-in fees to name a few. Some programs, including “Parents Night Out” and lifeguard training, will rise in cost.

Fees are determined using a combination of factors including economic conditions, program demand, meeting city goals to promote healthy lifestyles and keep a balanced budget, and offering competitive prices.

“We want to keep fees at a reasonable level and offer quality programs at the level we’re accustomed to,” said Don Sarcletti, recreation and parks director.

The city expects to collect $1.65 million in aquatics fees, more than $881,000 for youth programs and more than $290,000 in athletic and fitness fees. That will cover about 84 percent of the costs to offer the programs, staff said.

More information is available at www.mltrec.com.