By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Before diving into pool rate increases this summer, the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Board is weighing how to best balance paying for pool expenses with keeping the city pool affordable.
Last week, the board discussed the increased costs and the options for paying for them.
First, the increased expenses. A “very, very conservative” estimate for pool expenses this summer shows it will cost the city at least $16,000 more to operate the pool, according to Kristin Otley, director of the parks and recreation department.
“Obviously we’re seeing everything go up,” Otley said.
The biggest new expense will be from the 50 cent an hour increase in Ohio’s minimum wage to $9.30 an hour – expected to add about $9,000 to pool expenses. Though not all pool staff are paid minimum wage, the incremental increase will be seen across the board.
“All staff who work at the pool will be impacted,” Otley said. “When one goes up, they all flex up.”
Then there is the cost of chlorine, which the city has been informed will cost an additional 41 cents per gallon. That will add an estimated $4,000 to the pool expenses.
And there’s the concession supplies, which are predicted to cost 30% more than last year’s snacks.
The last time daily pool pass rates were increased was in 2019, when the board decided to raise the daily admission for non-residents by 50 cents
“It’s really just a balance of how much we subsidize the facility,” Otley said. “We have to be very cognizant of using our tax dollars wisely.”
Last week, Otley presented three rate options to the park and rec board. The board lacked a quorum, so action is expected to be taken in March, with City Council having the final vote on any rate increases.
The three options were:
- No change in rates. It’s possible the pool can regain some revenue if attendance returns to pre-COVID numbers. “2021 was a weird year,” Otley said. “We’re hopeful we can increase attendance this year as people feel more comfortable.”
- Increase the non-resident daily fee by 50 cents for children, and 75 cents for youth and adults. At the same time, season pass rates would be raised by $3 to $5 for residents, and $10 to $19 for non-residents. “That’s insignificant if you use it the whole season,” Otley said of the proposed season pass rates. Past pass holders would be given a chance to buy season passes for the same price as last year if they are purchased by a certain date.
- The final option includes the rate increases addressed in the previous option, plus adding another 25 cents to the daily pass rate for residents.
The current daily rates for city residents have not been raised since the new pool facility opened in 2013, Otley said. The rates are $3.75 per child, $5.50 per youth, and $6 per adult.
The pool rates are higher for non-residents of Bowling Green. “They don’t pay property taxes here,” Otley said.
During the January park board meeting, Program Coordinator Ivan Kovacevic explained the trends experienced at the pool in the last few years – excluding 2020 when the pool was closed due to COVID restrictions. Some of the trends noticed are:
- Season pass users dropped from 26,771 in 2018, to 18,774 in 2019, then 16,142 in 2021. The drop last year was expected due to COVID concerns.
- Daily users have dropped from 21,164 in 2018, to 20,653 in 2019, then 16,786 in 2021. The number of people coming in on daily passes varies greatly depending on the weather.
- The total visitors went from 47,935 in 2018, to 39,427 in 2019, then 32,928 in 2021.
The total revenues at the pool last summer were $309,284, compared to the expenses of $329,099.
“Our supply costs are going up every year, and our staff costs are going up every year,” Otley said in January.
A program is already in place to help families unable to afford season pool passes by cutting the cost to 50% of the normal rate. Last year a “splash fund” was created to offer additional help to local families.
“There’s that safety net,” Otley said. “We want to make sure kids in the community can use the pool.”
No increases are proposed for swimming lessons or other programs at the pool.
