Portsmouth City Council members will consider whether to move forward with higher campground and park rental fees at Monday’s City Manager’s Conference.
If the measures move forward, they would still have to go before the full Portsmouth City Council for three readings before council members take a final vote.
According to a memo from City Manager Sam Sutherland, the city is being asked to review and establish updated campground fees as riverfront improvements near completion.
The memo says the Appalachian Community Grant Program project is scheduled for completion later this year, and campground rates should be updated to reflect improvements along the riverfront.
City officials also say the higher fees would help cover anticipated maintenance costs and seasonal workers needed to preserve and support the city’s investment.
The current campground rates were put in place in 2016.
Right now, campground rates are:
$25 per day
$125 per week
$250 per month
One vehicle per campsite
The proposed in-season rates, from May 1 through October 31, are:
$60 per day
$400 per week
The proposed off-season rates, from November 1 through April 30, are:
$50 per day
$300 per week
The proposal also includes a 10% discount for military members and seniors. A cancellation fee would also be added.
City officials are also asking council to establish an updated policy on whether long-term rental of campground lots should be allowed.
Council members will also consider a separate request to update daily rental costs for city parks.
That proposal may include amending or repealing the section of city code dealing with permit fees because Spartan Stadium and Branch Rickey Field are no longer owned by the city.
The park fee chart in the memo lists proposed increases for city park rentals, including Tracy Park and other city park facilities. Some of the copied chart text is difficult to read, but listed proposed fees include rates such as $250 per day, $1,000 per day, $25 per hour or $200 per day, and $50 per hour, depending on the location or type of rental.
Council’s options are to authorize legislation, modify the request, take no action, or reject it.
For campers, families, event organizers, and groups that use city parks, the proposals are worth watching.
Portsmouth has poured major grant money into riverfront and park improvements. Now the city is looking at whether users should pay mo