Let's say the fee was $60 a month--essentially $2 a day, for that I get unlimited use, most likely excluding specific programs and limited by facility rental at times for tournaments and other events (rentals that offset the cost to me as an individual). I'd say that's a bargain--it does appear like a lot (yearly rate would probably be less I'm guessing?), but if you consider it costs a million dollars to maintain and staff the facility (likely hundreds of employees part time and dozens full time?) and to account for capital needs from equipment to maintenance issues. Maybe some special rates for city employees or other groups that support the facility annually with sponsorships? Assume the facility offers swimming lessons and maybe CPR certification and other education that improves the overall health of users and the community. And of course employees pay taxes and contribute to the economic well-being of the community. There will always be private options for folks who maybe want to do something specific like cross fit or the like--I'm guessing the monthly and annual costs would be higher for those options? At any rate, if you have a valid pro forma budget, you will know what you need to charge. If folks think it's too much, you wouldn't have to join, but having wellness facilities like this are important for the community. I don't know if the price being paid is reasonable or whether the facilities have been thoroughly inspected--but assuming all has been done, I'd say for the economic benefit, the recruitment potential, the overall improvement of the health and safety of the community, it might be a good investment. The key is, it is an investment.
The proposed fees are based on all things going as planned which we know always happens in life especially with government matters. (Just a touch of sarcasm here.)
How about we form a non-profit to build the facilities privately with donations? Sprinkle in some volunteer labor for operations and maintenance? Rally citizen/consumer support rather than incur more debt as a nation/state/city. How about we take care of each other in those ways without burdening every taxpayer?
How about a for-profit company builds it and runs it without government support (e.g. taxes) or interference. If it's a legitimate business, someone will do it. And then the churches and other non-profits can collect donations to pay the membership fees of protected classes if they wish.
Also a good idea. I prefer it over a non-profit entity. The challenge is that a for-profit has a higher cost with the tax burden; so, the need/desire/market size has to be greater to justify the risk for investors. That results in delays.
Most government operations or "services" are the result of impatience by the populace -- they want something sooner than the market will provide. A few are due to physical limitations (roads, dams, railroads, airports/airspace, etc.), but that doesn't apply to pools. Wild Water West and other water parks are privately owned and operated and seems to be thriving.
Your idea is better. It will just take a little longer to come to fruition.
Is the populace really demanding this? Some ideas really do not need to come to fruition. As you said, the private parks are thriving. This public park will be a direct economic threat to them.
That's a question that business people worry about all the time. Their big concern is is the demand there and will it be sustained long enough to justify the investment. Politicians react to the whims of the loudest citizenry that have different agendas. So, to answer your question, I don't know. I have not done what it takes to get a great sense of the demand.
I agree that these parks will compete with those operated privately. The ability of the government to do that is one of many threats private investors have to consider. So, ironically, the more governments talk about doing such things, the less incentive there is for the private sector to do it.
Let's say the fee was $60 a month--essentially $2 a day, for that I get unlimited use, most likely excluding specific programs and limited by facility rental at times for tournaments and other events (rentals that offset the cost to me as an individual). I'd say that's a bargain--it does appear like a lot (yearly rate would probably be less I'm guessing?), but if you consider it costs a million dollars to maintain and staff the facility (likely hundreds of employees part time and dozens full time?) and to account for capital needs from equipment to maintenance issues. Maybe some special rates for city employees or other groups that support the facility annually with sponsorships? Assume the facility offers swimming lessons and maybe CPR certification and other education that improves the overall health of users and the community. And of course employees pay taxes and contribute to the economic well-being of the community. There will always be private options for folks who maybe want to do something specific like cross fit or the like--I'm guessing the monthly and annual costs would be higher for those options? At any rate, if you have a valid pro forma budget, you will know what you need to charge. If folks think it's too much, you wouldn't have to join, but having wellness facilities like this are important for the community. I don't know if the price being paid is reasonable or whether the facilities have been thoroughly inspected--but assuming all has been done, I'd say for the economic benefit, the recruitment potential, the overall improvement of the health and safety of the community, it might be a good investment. The key is, it is an investment.
The proposed fees are based on all things going as planned which we know always happens in life especially with government matters. (Just a touch of sarcasm here.)
How about we form a non-profit to build the facilities privately with donations? Sprinkle in some volunteer labor for operations and maintenance? Rally citizen/consumer support rather than incur more debt as a nation/state/city. How about we take care of each other in those ways without burdening every taxpayer?
How about a for-profit company builds it and runs it without government support (e.g. taxes) or interference. If it's a legitimate business, someone will do it. And then the churches and other non-profits can collect donations to pay the membership fees of protected classes if they wish.
Also a good idea. I prefer it over a non-profit entity. The challenge is that a for-profit has a higher cost with the tax burden; so, the need/desire/market size has to be greater to justify the risk for investors. That results in delays.
Most government operations or "services" are the result of impatience by the populace -- they want something sooner than the market will provide. A few are due to physical limitations (roads, dams, railroads, airports/airspace, etc.), but that doesn't apply to pools. Wild Water West and other water parks are privately owned and operated and seems to be thriving.
Your idea is better. It will just take a little longer to come to fruition.
Is the populace really demanding this? Some ideas really do not need to come to fruition. As you said, the private parks are thriving. This public park will be a direct economic threat to them.
That's a question that business people worry about all the time. Their big concern is is the demand there and will it be sustained long enough to justify the investment. Politicians react to the whims of the loudest citizenry that have different agendas. So, to answer your question, I don't know. I have not done what it takes to get a great sense of the demand.
I agree that these parks will compete with those operated privately. The ability of the government to do that is one of many threats private investors have to consider. So, ironically, the more governments talk about doing such things, the less incentive there is for the private sector to do it.
Why does the City need to keep us entertained? I wonder why the City had to buy and operate a ski hill? A ski hill that was losing money.
Where is the City owned pool hall or bowling alley?
The ice people managed to build their own ice sheets.
Come on Jeff you are more Progressive than that.