2.
City Council Work Session
- Meeting Date:
- 01/05/2026
- TITLE
- PRPL Fees Update
- PRESENTED BY:
- Gavin Woltjer
- Department:
- Parks/Rec/Public Lands
Presentation:
No
Legal Review:
Project Number:
N/A
RECOMMENDATION
PRPL staff recommends Council review the suggested fee increases as presented in consideration of the department's overall strategy to decrease the margin of operating deficits.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As one part of overall fiscal management, PRPL increases fees to offset operating costs. The suggested fee increases presented to Council address this strategy of fiscal management. The last time fees were increased was in 2020. Approving the suggested fee increases as presented begins a new timeline of planned fee increases every three (3) years. A resolution for these suggested increases is scheduled for consideration by City Council at the January 26, 2026, regular business meeting.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
PRPL has regularly increased fees for park users. However, these increases have not been on a consistent timeline. The last fee increase was in 2020. Before the 2020 Resolution was adopted for fee increases, approved by Council on 13 July 2020, was in Resolution 14-10353 in 2014. Fee increases are necessary to offset maintenance costs associated with park user groups, cover expenses associated with seasonal wages, and subsidize other programs. The attached documents show current fees, proposed fees, and the estimated increase in revenue related to the fees.
FISCAL EFFECTS
The financial impact of the approved suggested fee increases will increase revenue by approximately $105,975 annually based on usage totals in 2025.
STAKEHOLDERS
City of Billings
Users of PRPL assets, amenities, and services
Users of PRPL assets, amenities, and services
ALTERNATIVES
Council may approve the suggested fee increases.
Council may modify the suggested fee increases.
Council may deny the suggested fee increases.
Council may modify the suggested fee increases.
Council may deny the suggested fee increases.
Attachments
- DRAFT Resolution 2025 PRPL Fee Increases
- Fee Increase Comparison to Current 2025
- Summary Parks and Recreation Fee Adjustment Impact