Are Membership Costs at Eureka's New Recreation Center Too High?

As The Timbers nears completion, city officials are saying they will keep a close on the cost of membership fees and the number of visitors the new Eureka recreation center sees.

Currently, a full membership for a family of residents is $550 annually, with other membership’s ranging from as little as $250 for seniors to as much as $750 for non-resident families.

The cost is a concern to Eureka resident Carleen Murray and her husband, Ben. The current prices are too much for them to afford and, during a meeting Tuesday, they questioned the Eureka Board of Aldermen on why the fees were so high when taxpayers are subsidizing the facility.

Murray pointed to the rates of other municipal facilities in the area, which she said are lower in some cases and come with more amenities, such as an indoor pool.

The aldermen and city officials responded that the board’s decision on what to include at The Timbers and how much it should cost came down to a number of financial considerations.

“We are not going to blow our budget or endanger our future by spending more than we could afford,” said Mayor Kevin Coffey. “The very reason we can afford the rec center at this point is because of our conservative budget over the years.”

However, they also offered some hope to the couple. Coffey noted that there is property set aside for a possible indoor pool if “the city’s future includes large retail development.”

On membership fees, city attorney Kathy Butler said the board may make adjustments in either direction depending on how the facility performs. She noted that other municipalities have also changed their rates over time.

“If the membership is coming in high, they can lower [membership fees],” she said. “These are numbers you may not see over the long term. “

However, even the current rates are not projected to prevent the recreation center from operating at a loss.

The board also said they expect to dip into their general fund to help cover its operational cost. Alderman Don Beckerle estimated the amount could be as much as $100,00-$200,000.

“We wish we could give it to residents for free, but we have to figure out what is fiscally responsible to do,” he said.

While Murray said she understood these points, she expressed disbelief when the aldermen told her they had not received any complaints about the price prior to hers. 

“There have been many people I have spoken to who feel there’s a disconnect between the cost of [membership] and the services that are offered,” she said.