CMS raises fees to cover costs

Beginning July 1, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will increase fees for community groups using school facilities to cover operating expenses for those buildings. Last year, the estimated cost to CMS for community use of schools was $1.89 million for staff hours, cooling and heating.

However, CMS generated only $711,000 in fees, leaving a funding gap of $1.18 million. “Our schools are often the hub of their communities – as they should be. We welcome groups to use our facilities,” said Mike Raible, executive director of facilities planning and real estate. “Our goal is to cover the cost of providing this service to the community. We want to be good stewards of the public’s money.”

Fees have not been increased for at least 10 years. In 2006-2007, CMS approved 874 contracts with community organizations to use school facilities for activities. These organizations used CMS schools 27,480 times for 121,055 hours. This is an increase from about 115,000 hours during 2005-2006 and 106,000 during 2004-2005. Most community activities held in CMS schools were sponsored by athletic or recreational organizations. Nearly 3 million youth and more than 1.5 million adults participated in the activities.

There are separate fee scales for nonprofit and for-profit groups. Nonprofit groups are charged reduced fees. The smallest fee increase is $1 per hour for lifeguards at swimming pools for both nonprofit and for-profit groups. The largest increase for nonprofits will be an extra $26 per hour for swimming pool rentals. For-profits will pay $93 more per hour up to four hours to use auditoriums. CMS has mailed letters to community groups informing them about the fee increase.