Fees are increasing for specific programs overseen by the Emporia Recreation Commission.
During the ERC’s monthly meeting Monday evening, commissioners approved the increase in fees for multiple programs across each ERC division. According to Rec Director Tom McEvoy, the increase will see an overall 17 percent hike in residential fees and a 23 percent rise in non-residential fees.
The increases will affect 20 youth sports programs, 7 adult sports programs, 9 aquatics programs and 3 activities in the programming division. Additionally, commissioners approved an overall 14 percent increase in 3, 6 and 12-month fitness center membership fees.
McEvoy says the ERC was considering the increase last year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic but decided to hold off until this year. McEvoy says the approved increases come in part due to inflation and an increase in part-time employee wages due to the need for more qualified staff.
McEvoy tells KVOE News this is not a unique situation for Emporia as it is also impacting parks and recreation commissions all across the state.
In other business, commissioners also approved the purchase of new cardio equipment for just over $33,000 as part of the first year in a three-year rotation plan.
Commissioners also received an update on the recent installation of replacement doors at the Lee Beran Recreation Center and a preview of the upcoming Class 1A Division II state volleyball tournament taking place at White Auditorium Oct. 29-30.
