New Milford Town Council raises park fees despite opposition

Residents will have to pay slightly more for park fees after New Milford Town Council members approved an increase in annual dues.

During the council’s discussion, David Lawson urged his fellow council members to eliminate fees senior citizens pay to access New Milford parks.

While the proposal does not raise the price for senior passes, those residents will continue paying $20 annually for park access. Still, Lawson said parks should be free for seniors.

He argued the fees generated by seniors, approximately $6,000, could easily be covered by the Parks and Recreation’s budget surplus or by pulling the money from New Milford’s undesignated fund. Last year, the department had a $58,000 budget surplus, according to Lawson.

Several other council members advised against Lawson’s idea. Councilman Tom Esposito said the “federal government can print money but the town of New Milford can’t.”

Katy Francis echoed Esposito’s opposition and said while she understood Lawson’s sentiment, the town needs the revenue to maintain parks and its staff. She added that the money in the surplus and undesignated fund could just as well be allocated toward other expenses.

Councilwoman Mary Jane Lundgren, who abstained from the vote, said she believes people “need a break right now” and it is a bad time to increase any fees for residents considering people are struggling so much, some even unable to put food on the table, nonetheless pay a park fee.

Lawson concluded and said “if that’s how we want to treat seniors, then fine, but I can’t support it.” In a 6-1-1 majority vote the town council approved the fee increases.

Here are the following changes residents should expect to see in 2021 park fees.

Boat owners will experience a $100 increase for town stickers as the price rises from $1,400 annually to $1,500. Seniors who own vessels will pay an extra $75 each year as their fee is boosted to $1,435 from the previous $1,360 in 2020.

Instead of paying $60 for a vehicle pass, car owners will owe $65 and an added $40 for any secondary cars. The biggest increase will happen for parents who send their children to the Summer Playground camp. Having one child enrolled in the day camp will cost $450, a $70 bump, and additional children registered would be admitted at a discounted rate.

Park and program fees for nonresidents will also grow slightly.