The Beaverlodge Barracudas are seeking a fee waiver to use the pool at a continued rate of $110 per hour, as opposed to the $150 set by the town’s fees policy.
Beaverlodge council voted during its regular meeting last week to send the request to budget deliberations.
“We are promoting fitness and good work ethic for members who often grow to become lifeguards at the pool here,” said Charice Villiger, Barracudas treasurer.
Villiger and Richard Harris, the club’s manager of swim meet officiators, addressed council in delegation last week.
Villiger said the club has 60 young members, all competitive swimmers, active between May 1 and Aug. 15. Most are from Beaverlodge and Hythe and the surrounding area, she said.
She said the Barracudas rent the pool for two hours per day from Monday to Thursday, for a total of 120 hours per year.
Council passed a fees and charges policy earlier this year stating the pool can be rented by a group at $150 per hour, compared to $140 under the 2018 policy.
At the regular rate this would add up to $18,000, while the requested $110 would cost the club $13,200, for a waiver worth $4,800.
Villiger told the News this amount would be a “definite” financial help to the club and could keep rates down.
Currently, she said registration for children six and under is $325, while swimmers seven and up have $400 rates.
Villiger said the Barracudas is seeking to hire a new head coach this year. Saving money on the pool rentals would allow the club to hire a more qualified coach whose salary may be higher than a less qualified applicant, she said.
Harris added the club is facing increased membership, insurance and meets fees from Swim Alberta and Swim Canada.
As a result, Barracudas members won’t get a competitive swimsuit with local registration fees, he said.
“We’re trying to keep our fees down, but unfortunately our coaching and competitive competition costs are increasing,” he said.
While the club is looking at increased fees this year, Villiger said the club’s books are currently balanced and last year there was a $1,500 net income.
During the meeting last week, Coun. Judy Kokotilo-Bekkerus mentioned apprehension about provincial cuts to municipal grants and downloaded costs to the town.
“Everyone else has paid an increase in recreation fees, so it would be difficult for this council to say we have one group we’re not giving an increase to,” Kokotilo-Bekkerus said.
Mayor Gary Rycroft told Villiger and Harris council will have an answer for the club after budget deliberations.
Brad Quarin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Town & Country News
