Chicago Park District’s Proposed 2025 Budget Includes Fee Increases
Modest Fee Increases to Cover Rising Operating Expenses
The Chicago Park District is seeking to raise some of its fees next year to cover rising operating expenses and avoid raising its property tax levy. According to a news release, the updated fees would remain below pre-pandemic levels.
Fee Changes in the Proposed Budget
The fee changes in the Park District’s proposed 2025 budget include a “modest” increase to the summer day camp fee, a 2% increase in harbor fees, and a parking rate increase of $2. Golf course “green fees” would go up by $1 at three of the busiest locations: Sydney Marovitz, Jackson Park, and Robert Black golf courses. Fees would not change at the Columbus, Marquette, and South Shore golfing facilities, and the Marquette and Jackson driving ranges.
Reduced Fees During the Pandemic
The park district reduced fees during the pandemic to give residents a break and respond to dropping demand. Now, with demand rising, it is looking to raise fees to cover rising costs. The park district said it reduced fees during the pandemic to give residents a break and respond to dropping demand.
Revenue Generation from Fee Increases
The 2% harbor fee increase would generate an anticipated $740,000 in revenue, according to the park district. The $2 parking rate increase would bring in an additional $1.3 million annually. A 5% increase for all permitted park events, including large events not currently under contract, would bring in $1.7 million in more revenue.
New Summer Day Camp Fees
The park district did not specify what the new summer day camp fees would be. In 2023, summer day camp costs ranged from $200 to $300 per child. A park district spokesperson did not immediately reply to a message seeking comment.
CEO’s Comments on Fee Increases
Chicago Park District CEO Rosa Escareño, in Wednesday’s budget presentation before the park district’s board of commissioners, said the proposed fee increase for day camps is based on the income levels of the neighborhoods they are in. “When we were looking at where we would make those adjustments, we were looking at communities that have the greatest need,” Escareño said. “We inched up a little more on those fees. But we’re inching maybe a little bit further in communities where those income levels may be higher, where our communities can maybe afford that.”
Budget Presentation and Vote
The park district board of commissioners is expected to vote on the proposed budget Dec. 11.
Conclusion
The Chicago Park District’s proposed 2025 budget includes modest fee increases to cover rising operating expenses and avoid raising its property tax levy. The fee changes are designed to generate additional revenue and maintain a positive trend in the park district’s revenue.
FAQs
Q: What are the proposed fee increases for the Chicago Park District’s 2025 budget?
A: The proposed fee increases include a “modest” increase to the summer day camp fee, a 2% increase in harbor fees, and a parking rate increase of $2.
Q: Why are the fees being increased?
A: The fees are being increased to cover rising operating expenses and avoid raising the park district’s property tax levy.
Q: How much revenue will the fee increases generate?
A: The 2% harbor fee increase is expected to generate $740,000 in revenue, the $2 parking rate increase is expected to generate $1.3 million annually, and the 5% increase for all permitted park events is expected to generate $1.7 million in more revenue.
Q: What is the new summer day camp fee?
A: The park district did not specify the new summer day camp fee, but it is expected to be higher than the current fee range of $200 to $300 per child.
Q: When will the park district board of commissioners vote on the proposed budget?
A: The park district board of commissioners is expected to vote on the proposed budget Dec. 11.
