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Mill Creek MetroParks implements new rental discount policy
YOUNGSTOWN
Mill Creek MetroParks recently implemented a new rental facility discount policy that reduces the discount rate that nonprofit organizations receive.
The park board adopted the new policy at a meeting Feb. 8 at which it also approved a 2016 budget that again trims spending, and approved a change in wage rates for seasonal and part-time workers. It was in executive session at that meeting that the board heard from Executive Director Aaron Young about the “internal reorganization” plan that led to elimination of 12 park jobs in the last week.
“In order to be economically feasible and to equitably deal with requests for use of MetroParks rental facilities, the Board of Park Commissioners hereby adopts the following Rental Facility Discount Policy,” the resolution reads.
The revised policy stipulates that “All IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit agencies, government agencies, and schools will receive an additional (10 percent) discount from the Resident Rate.”
Under the previous policy, nonprofit organizations received a 50 percent discount from the resident rate for cabin, pavilion and boating facility rentals.
Another policy implemented in 2002 established a frequent-renter discount program. The program benefited groups and individuals “who rent the same or similarly priced MetroParks facilities more than four times per calendar year,” according to that policy.
“This program is being established to promote good will and reward those patrons who regularly use MetroParks facilities,” it stated.
The new policy, which replaces the previous ones, does not include a frequent-renter discount. It does maintain the discounted resident rate available for residents and businesses in Mahoning County. That varies by facility but is about 25 percent.
Young explained the policy change in an interview, saying, “The rental discount rate was evaluated as part of a separate component of our internal operations. We need to make sure we’re treating everybody who wants to rent the facilities equally and equitably.”
“Whether you’re government, or you’re nonprofit or whether you’re Joe off the street ... we have to make sure we’re covering our costs” of providing amenities and services, he said.
The new policy stipulates that facility rental rates will be set each year by the park board; that meetings, events and programs conducted on behalf of the park system are exempt from fees; and that the new policy “does not apply to nor does it negate any previously documented agreements between any organization and the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks.”