Board approves event fee increase

The city needs to charge special-event organizers a little extra in the next two years to help pay city costs, Carson City Parks commissioners agreed Tuesday.

Parks and Recreation staff recommended raising fees to catch up with what it actually costs the city in staff time and equipment to allow carnivals or weekend festivals in local parks.

The fee increase could mean paying hundreds of additional dollars and has one nonprofit group asking why the city needs more money.

"These events bring people, and people spend money," said Janice Ayres, executive director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program that holds three events a year. "If they're going to price you out of it, then what are we doing here?"

Ayres expects to pay an extra $1,014 a year in fees if the proposal is finalized by the Board of Supervisors in January.

City regulations allow fees to be raised 15 percent each year to collect at least 25 percent of what it costs to host events. City staff found the city wasn't making enough money to pay for expenses after reviewing events this year.

"We did not do a very good job of tracking costs, and therefore we fell behind," said Parks and Recreation director Steve Kastens.

The parks commission decided to recommend to the Board of Supervisors changing the rules to allow the city to increase fees beyond the 15 percent allowed for two years until it meets costs. Rental fees will also increase.

If passed, the special-event fee for the Carson City Rendezvous would be raised from $150 to $478 in two years, the fee for Karson Kruzers would be raised to $239 from $150, and the carnival would be raised to $338 from $150.

The commission decided not to raise rental rates for nonprofit groups that are outside the city.

Contact Jill Lufrano at jlufrano@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.