Great Falls Park and Recreation is surveying the public on their facility usage needs and fees.
The first of five mini-polls, this one focused on facility usage and preferences, is currently open.
It’s five questions and only takes a few minutes to complete.
The five mini-polls will be released at different times in December through January, according to Park and Rec.
The consultant team was in Great Falls earlier this fall meeting with a variety of city officials and facility user groups, Jessica Compton, interim Park and Rec director, said during the Dec. 8 Park and Rec Advisory Board meeting.
City Commission to consider consultant contract for Park and Rec review
The poll is part of a comprehensive fee study, cost allocation plan and operational efficiency review of Park and Rec.
In October, City Commissioners approved a $94,792 contract with Matrix Consulting for the study.
City officials have been discussing the finances and fee structures within the Park and Rec department for years, an issue exacerbated by the operating deficit at Aim High Big Sky, the indoor aquatic and recreation facility that opened last summer.
In June, the city issued a request for proposals for an assessment of the department’s fees, costs and operational efficiency. The review will include programming, membership, rentals, admission fees, maintenance and other service-related charges.
City approves contract for public facilities feasibility study
The cost allocation plan is to develop a model “that accurately reflects and recovers both direct and indirect costs for the department and the city. The operational review will assess workflows, staffing structure and “opportunities for consolidation of maintenance and support functions. The goal is to enhance coordination, optimize resource utilization, and improve overall departmental efficiency,” according to the city.
