Pool entry charge to sink or swim
May 1, 2024
By Rachel Williams
The possibility of user charges being introduced at the Scottsdale Aquatic Centre are being considered by Dorset Council.
The centre costs around $350,000 a year to run, with Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw confirming it was slightly over budget this financial year.
As the council prepares its annual budget and schedule of fees and charges ahead of the next financial year, it’s weighing up its options for the facility.
Mr Wardlaw will be presented with a recommendation to set the budget at the June 24 Council meeting, as it’s unlikely an elected Council will be sworn in before then. (See the latest on the Dorset Board of Inquiry on Pg 3).
A recent council survey filled out by 85 respondents, only one of which was not a pool user, found that three quarters believed there should be a fee charged - although half of those said the charge should only be for those from outside the municipality.
Mr Wardlaw said the learn to swim and water aerobics program had been well utilised as had general swimming entries, with 25,000 attendees over the swim season.
“There are some community concerns that people out of town are getting benefits at the expense of ratepayers but there is also a suggestion they come here and provide an economic benefit to the region during their visit,” Mr Wardlaw said.
General Manager John Mark also requested feedback from members of the North-Eastern Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Marik said that assuming a 15,000 annual visitation number at $5 per head, $75,000 income could be raised annually.
“Over the 10-year Long-Term Financial Plan of Council, almost $800,000 inflation adjusted would be raised to reinvest back into the facility. This figure is quite material,” he said.
Mr Marik also asked whether members agreed the facility should be free for local sporting clubs, not-for-profits and community groups.
“This is with the understanding that these groups form a huge part of small communities for health and well-being, engagement and relationships, municipal liveability etcetera.
“I note when local groups paid Council annual lease and licence fees, this amounted to $25,000 per annum. In today’s dollars and inflation adjusted it is approximately $300,000 over the 10-year Long-Term Financial Plan period. Again, this is a material amount covered by the whole rate base.”
Mr Wardlaw said the survey and chamber response would inform his decision.
“It’s all up for discussion and I am open minded - is it too early to change the structure that’s only been in place for 2-3 years?
“Full cost recovery is just out of the question. If you divided 25,000 users this season by the $350 000 operational costs it would need to have a $14 cost per visit to break even.
“If you do charge fees that can also increase running costs because you need to staff it for collecting entry fees. Even if you charge $5 an entry that’s still a lot for a family.”
He said “Tap and Go” voluntary contributions had been minimal and that system might be enhanced to encourage more user buy-in.