The recent fee increases at the Habersham County Recreation Department are a hardship for those who need it the most. That’s the message David Mickler delivered to county commissioners Monday night during their regular monthly meeting.
Mickler told commissioners the new fees don’t seem to be administered fairly throughout the recreation center. While people who use the rec department’s indoor and outdoor facilities for basketball, volleyball, tennis, and pickleball do not have to pay, swimmers now have to pay even more.
The commission last month voted to reinstate pool fees, reversing a decision in 2021 that allowed residents to use the aquatic center for free. Not only did they reinstate fees, but they also increased them for certain members of the general public over what had previously been charged.
Even the pool fees, Mickler complained, don’t evenly apply to all swimmers. Youth and children under the age of 18 are allowed to swim for free if accompanied by a paying adult.
‘Targeting wrong demographic’
Mickler told the commission he has been using the facility for the last ten years, and it has been “the greatest time” of his life. He says he understands the commission may need to raise fees to cover expenses and says he’s willing to pay his part, but it should be fair.
During his public comments, Mickler read to the commission several emails he said he received from a woman named Christine. She teaches a class related to pool therapy that meets three times a week to assist citizens with healing after major surgeries and illnesses.
In one of her letters, Mickler quoted Christine as saying, “I too am saddened by the new price structure and what it means to those who value and need the pool most. It is very bothersome to me, and I have also tried to explain to Brooke [Whitemire, rec department director] and Daniel that they are targeting the wrong demographic for payment and what this will do to their lives.”
Earlier this year, the Habersham County Commission voted 4-1 to approve the new fee structure proposed by Whitmire. Habersham County Commission Vice Chair Bruce Harkness was the only commissioner to vote against the new fees. He said at the time, he was “ashamed” to start charging county residents again for something they were given for free, especially those who are underprivileged.
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