NORRISTOWN – Senior officials at Norristown have expressed differing views on the costs of programming summer camps which are expected to increase next year.
Chief Financial Officer Kathy Pfister broken down the fees in the 2022 Consolidated Fee Schedule by each department during the Norristown City Council working session last week.
Pfister noted a $ 5 increase in camp fees from the previous year.
The summer camps category is categorized under the umbrella of the Norristown Recreation Department headed by Recreation Director Erica Genuardi. The camp has been in existence for over 10 years, according to the municipality’s website.
For residents, the Norristown Recreation Summer Camp costs $ 310 per child for the first child, $ 240 per child for the second child, and $ 215 per child for three or more children, based on the 2022 consolidated fee schedule. for non-residents, the rates were $ 415, $ 340 and $ 315, respectively.
Discounts were also available for families who submitted payment before June 1. The fee schedule states that a “payment plan is offered at the early bird discount rate.”
The camp is expected to cost $ 290 per child for the first child, $ 220.50 per child for the second child and $ 200 per child for three or more children, according to the consolidated fee schedule for 2022. For non-residents, the rates were $ 380, $ 320 and $ 290 respectively.
City Councilor Hakim Jones was concerned about increasing fees in several departments. Pfister replied that “we are still significantly inferior to the surrounding areas”.
For example, she said the neighboring Township of West Norriton charges an additional $ 100 for its summer camp with additional expenses added for field trips.
“It’s still a lot lower, and we’re welcoming a lot of people from outside to Norristown,” Pfister said.
“Sometimes we have to factor in our median household for the majority of Norristown residents when we talk about raising fees,” Jones said.
Councilor Heather Lewis proposed that council members use “discretionary resources” such as a “scholarship” or “grants” to help residents who wish to send their children to camp.
Vice President Thomas Lepera acknowledged the increase in program prices.
“I mean, I firmly believe in having the best for our children, and with the pandemic and inflation, everything is increasing for Erica to keep this camp at the level that she is doing, and the children don’t have to. not to do so. pay for additional excursions, everything is included, ”said Vice President Thomas Lepera. “I mean we always have to be able to supply the camp. “
For more information on summer camp, visit www.norristown.org/453/Summer-Camp.
The 2022 consolidated tariff schedule was finally adopted unanimously.
