MURRAY -- The City Council will revisit the increase in swimming pool fees for a Murray family of six.
The council last month decided to charge more for swimming at the new Murray outdoor pool, which has been closed for a year for repairs. The pool, at 5109 S. Murray Park Ave., is expected to open Memorial Day.But before it opens, the city's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will take a look at the fee for a family season pass, which jumped from $60 to $120.
The swimming pool fee increase resurfaced at the council meeting Tuesday because Councilman John Rush said the increase is too hard to swallow.
"A 100 percent increase is significant," Rush said. "I guess I have egg on my face because I wasn't aware of the size of the increase when I cast a vote to increase the fees."
Councilman Wendell Coombs said the $120 is still a good deal for six family members to have continuous use of the swimming pool all summer long.
Rush disagreed.
"I would be outraged," he said. "It's an injustice to people who use that pool."
He proposed making the season pass $90 -- a $30 increase.
Most of the fee increases the council approved on Feb. 23 were modest, going up about 50 cents for daily admission. Rush had no problem with that, he said.
The fees were set to be competitive with other pool rates in Salt Lake County, staffers said.
Of concern to staff was what to charge residents who want to buy passes now.
Council members hope to have an answer by the end of April, after the parks and recreation board has a chance to meet.
In the meantime, a season pass for a Murray family of six would be $120. If the fee is lowered, passholder could expect a refund, council members said.