BC 2010 02 15 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

February 15, 2010 (Regular Meeting) III Page 1806 5. To provide the opportunity for all residents of Cabarrus County to participate in programs and activities and to fully utilize the facilities of the department. C. Basic Services and Basic Facilities Basic Services and Basic Facilities shall be offered at minimal or no charge. These services are those which tend to preserve and promote physical and mental well-being, provide patron safety, instruct in basic skills, and provide public parks and community facilities. 1. Basic service examples include program brochures, community assistance, program planning, clinics, and general public events. 2. Basic facilities include, but are not limited to, family picnic areas, park. playgrounds, open spaces, walking trails and comfort stations. D. Special Services and Special Facilities Special services and special facilities shall be assigned participation or usage fees based on a specified percentage of the direct operation and maintenance cost. 1. Special services include, but are not limited to, organized adult athletics, instructional programs and classes, and tournaments. 2. Special facilities include, but are not limited to, rental rooms and buildings, lighted ball fields, lighted tennis courts, and picnic shelters. E. Fees and Charges Fees and charges shall support other resources available to the Cabarrus County Parks Department, not replace them or be used to reduce the County's responsibility to provide public recreation facilities and leisure opportunities. They provide a means to continue, and expand as necessary, the ability to offer both basic and special services to Cabarrus County citizens. ~D~TT.T TT~C CRITERIA FOR ESTABLISHING FEES AND CHARGES FOR SPECIAL SERVICES AND The determination to assign a fee for a special service and/or facility shall be based on one or more of the following criteria: A. 1. The cost per user hour. This is usually due to one of the following: a. The service uses consumable materials. b. The service requires a facility with operating, utility, or maintenance costs. c. The service requires special preparation or clean-up. d. The service requires special supervision or instruction at additional cost. 2. Use of the service or facility tends to be limited to a relatively few individuals or special interest groups; therefore, those who benefit to the exclusion of others should pay extra for the privileges enjoyed. 3. Charging an admission fee to a special event allows for revenues collected to be used to extend the activity or cover the cost of the event. 4. Charging a fee serves an independent function such as one of the following: a. Rationing limited facilities among a large number of users. b. Aiding in discipline or control. c. Promoting respect for an activity and/or service. One or more of the following pricing alternatives will be used in establishing the fees and charges for special services and facilities: B. 1. To recover the partial or percentage cost of providing the service. 2. To recover all of the direct operating expenses. 3. To recover the actual cost of providing the service, and the interest and amortization of the initial capital investment. 4. At the rate which will result in efficient use of a given area or improvement.