PRESENTER: Presenter
Amy Niles, River and Watershed Manager
Body
SUBJECT: Title
Discuss and Consider Recommendation to Increase River Fund Revenue from Non-Resident Users.
Header
DISCUSSION:
City staff would like all River Fund revenue opportunities to focus on non-resident users, and further emphasize that the rivers in New Braunfels are free for residents to access and enjoy.
Increase River Management Fee to $3.00 on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
• The River Management Fee has been $2 for the last 9 river seasons.
• The fee would increase $1 per user, and the fee charging period would remain the same.
• This is a fee for all non-resident river users, not just those visiting the parks.
• Since the $2 River Management Fee was established in 2016 the City has seen increases to:
o Wages for seasonal and full-time employees.
§ Cashier starting pay was $9.17 in 2016 and $11.85 in 2024.
§ Seasonal Park Ranger starting pay was $12.06 in 2016 and $15.38 in 2024.
o Increase in cost of operating materials.
o Increase to contract service rates.
o Increased need for paid education advertisements.
|
|
Estimated Tubers |
Revenue |
$3.00 Estimated Revenue |
Estimated Revenue Increase |
|
2023 Season |
254,969 |
$509,938 |
$764,907 |
$254,969 |
|
2024 Season |
219,174 |
$438,348 |
$657,522 |
$219,174 |
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommends increasing the River Management Fee to $3.00 for non-resident users.