Mayor Paul Winfield on Tuesday moved to table fee hikes for pool and pavilion rentals at City Park until next week to allow him time to investigate the proposed increases already considered by Vicksburg’s two aldermen.

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“I think everybody knows we’re going to have to raise some fees,” said Winfield. “It’s a question of which fees and how much.”

The hikes, as well as regulations changes for adult softball, baseball and basketball leagues, were recommended by South Ward Alderman Sid Beauman and Parks and Recreation Director Joe Graves. Beauman said the fee schedule has not been modified since 1993.

Because Winfield was absent due to a lobbying trip to Washington, D.C., Beauman and North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield tabled the fee hikes and league changes at a Feb. 1 meeting. The item is now expected to come up at the next regular meeting on Thursday, Feb. 25.

The changes, Beauman said, would include increasing the pavilion rental fee from $25 per day to $75 per day. Also, the refundable deposit for cleaning the pavilion following a rental would increase to $100 from $25. Rental for the municipal pool would go from $200 per day to $350. Lifeguards on duty would be provided $15 per hour, up from the current $10 per hour charge.

Beauman said recreation departments in Madison, Jackson, Meridian, Tupelo and Hattiesburg were checked to gauge what other municipalities charge for similar rentals. Fees in Vicksburg were lower than in other communities at present, he said.

Beauman said the proposed changes to regulations for adult recreational leagues amount to formalities, and would not make it more difficult for people to participate in the leagues.

He noted the team and individual fees for leagues would not rise. Application requirements for softball and baseball field rentals are also being proposed.

Winfield has also said he expects all city water and sewer rates to be increased in the spring.

Contact Steve Sanoski at ssanoski@vicksburgpost.com

On the agenda

• OK’d a request for $75 from the St. Aloysisus Lady Flashes for renewal of an advertising banner.

• OK’d a $100 advertisement for The Vicksburg Cruisers Car Club for the 4th Annual Vicksburg Red Carpet Classic Auto Show scheduled for April 17.

In closed session, the board:

• Discussed one personnel matter in the water maintenance department and fired the employee in question.

The board is scheduled to meet next at 10 a.m.  Feb. 25, in room 109 of the City Hall Annex, 1415 Walnut St.