HOULTON, Maine — The cost to participate in various programs at the Houlton Parks and Recreation Department may soon be going up.
Marie Carmichael, director of parks and recreation for the town, presented a proposal to the Houlton Town Council on Feb. 27 that would increase the fees for all programs offered by the department.
“It’s been close to 10 years since we have done any increases,” Carmichael explained. “With the growing expense for equipment, T-shirts, supplies and also the increase of the minimum wage, we feel there is a need to make some adjustments.”
The proposed fee increase varies from sport to sport and can range between an 11 percent hike for some activities, while others are going up as much as 50 percent.
Included in this fee proposal is an increase to attend the Just for Kids summer camp program. Currently, the Rec charges $150 for one child, $200 for two children and $50 for each additional child for residents. Non-residents pay $225 for one child, $295 for two children and $100 for each additional child.
Under the proposed fee structure, the new cost to attend the summer camp will be $175 for one child, $235 for two children and $65 for each additional child for residents. Non-residents will pay $280 for one child, $365 for two children and $145 for each additional child.
A breakdown of the fees (with the current fee in parentheses) is as follows:
Youth tennis — resident ($30) $35; non-resident ($45) $50.
Youth running — resident ($25) $30; non-resident ($38) $45.
T-Ball baseball — resident ($25) $30; non-resident ($38) $45.
First pitch baseball — resident ($25) $30; non-resident ($38) $45.
Sneakin’ in Science — resident ($40) $50; non-resident ($50) $65.
Mini Science Camp — resident ($15) $20; non-resident ($22) $30.
MRPA Track — resident ($20) $30; non-resident ($30) $45.
Soccer Clinic — resident ($20) $30; non-resident ($30) $40.
Theatre Camp — resident ($45) $50; non-resident ($55) $65.
Music Lessons — resident ($20) $25; non-resident ($25) $38.
Fall soccer — resident ($25) $30; non-resident ($35) $40.
Just for Me — resident ($75) $90; non-resident ($115) $135.
Basketball Camp — resident ($45) $50; non-resident ($65) $75.
Winter Basketball — resident ($25) $30; non-resident ($35) $40.
Adult Fitness — resident ($45) $50; non-resident ($65) $80.
Mens Gym Night — resident ($3) $4. There are no fees listed for non-residents.
“We have tried to keep the costs low for residents and non-residents, but the minimum wage increase really took us over the top,” Carmichael said. “We need to at least make enough revenue to cover our expenses.”
The town council will act on the request at its Monday, March 13 meeting.
