Norris to raise facilities fees
Rental rates for private use of parts of the Norris Community Building may soon be raised to $125 for the first five hours, and $20 an hour for additional time. (photo:G. Chambers Williams III )
The council held a public workshop on the proposed changes in rental fees and associated rules on Monday evening, prior to the council’s regular meeting, then discussed the changes again during the meeting.
Although no vote was taken Monday evening, the five-member council seemed to be in favor of the proposals, which City Manager Adam Ledford said he would put into a resolution for the council to approve at the March meeting.
The new rates, proposed by Ledford, would be $125 for a five-hour period for use of the Community Room or gymnasium in the Norris Community Building, plus $20 an hour for each additional hour.
Use of the Lions Club Pavilion would remain $60 for the first five hours, but would add a $20 per hour charge for additional time.
No charges would be assessed to approved community groups, which mostly would include only those with federal tax exemptions as nonprofits (designated 501(c) organizations).
There also are no requirements that renters be residents of Norris, and there are no special rates applicable only to residents.
Ledford said state law does not allow cities to discriminate against outsiders in use of city facilities, which, he said, is why people outside Clinton can use city parks and other facilities there the same as residents can.
The rules also make it clear that the City Council’s boardroom in the Community Building is not available for public use.
Rentals will require a $100 refundable deposit by cash or check to ensure that those using the facilities leave them clean after their events conclude.
If city staff has to clean up afterward, the deposit would be forfeited.
Ledford said the increases would help the city cover its costs for renting out the facilities.
City staff checked with other area cities that have similar facilities for rent, and found that even the $125 rate would be a bargain.
Ledford said the new rate is what the city was charging “before COVID anyway.”
The key proposed
changes include:
• Fees structure: Adjustments to rental fees to better reflect the costs of facility upkeep.
• Restricting use of the boardroom: Limiting the use of the boardroom in the community building to official city business.
• Renter cleanup responsibilities: Creation of a checklist that all renters must complete when finished with the facility.
• Renter setup and post-use responsibilities: Outlines renter obligations for setting up and leaving the facilities in good condition.
