The Madison Park Board voted Nov. 12 to adopt a package of modest fee adjustments affecting golf, Crystal Beach, facility rentals and several youth programs, with board members saying small increases are needed to keep services running without large service reductions.

Board chair (speaker 1) called the motion to approve the set of designated fee changes after staff and board discussion. Jake (speaker 7), representing the golf board, said most golf fees were raised by about 5% and that the largest increase would be for the private-cart permit because "it is a premium service we offer here" and the board believed the town was undercharging for that option. "Everything is just like a slight increase around 5%," Jake said when presenting the golf board's recommendation.

The Crystal Beach package includes keeping general admission at $7 while lowering the age threshold so children 5 and older pay admission; increasing individual season passes and discount punch cards (staff proposed $110, some board members preferred $100), raising senior annual passes (proposal from $100 to $125), and modestly increasing party and Hunter Hall rental fees. Board members emphasized keeping at least one affordable family option and asked staff to publish pass-sales data before the next meeting.

Other adjustments include raising tackle football registration from $75 to $100 and increasing cheerleading fees to cover higher uniform costs; league fees for certain adult programs were increased (for example, a $10 league fee was raised to $20). Staff explained swim-lesson fees rose from $50 to $75 to reflect lifeguard wages (about $15/hour) and the lesson duration and staffing requirements.

Public comment raised equity concerns for local residents. Lisa Bergson (speaker 11) urged the board to target revenue from nonresidents rather than increasing fees for frequent local users, saying the pool’s $7 daily admission remains a strong draw and that the city benefits from tourism revenue. Board members and staff noted operational limits on checking residency at point-of-entry — for example, limited staff and volunteer desk coverage — that complicate enforcing higher nonresident rates daily.

The board approved the fee package by voice vote; Chair declared the motion carried. The board asked staff to post summary sales figures online and to revisit specific pass pricing if sales data or operational issues indicate further change. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 3 at 4:00 p.m.