Non-residents have to pay slightly higher user fees at facilities in Fort Frances after town council passed a bylaw featuring a revised miscellaneous user fee schedule.
But Mayor Glenn Witherspoon noted the only significant change to the fee schedule is the clarification of what “residents” and “non-residents” are.
Under the bylaw, the term “resident” applies to an individual who resides or dwells within the boundaries of the Town of Fort Frances.
A “non-resident” is anyone who does not reside in town limits, with no breaks given to those who may own property in Fort Frances and pay taxes for it yet not reside here.
A report on which the bylaw was based explains the rationale behind this as follows:
“Many of the services in Fort Frances are funded from property taxes. And many other services are funded from user fees, or a combination of property taxes and user fees.
“Most services are made possible by capital funds to construct the facilities and by operating funds to maintain operation of the facilities and its services.
“Some facilities were also made possible by donations from citizens towards the capital costs of its construction.”
One example pointed out by the bylaw is memberships at the Sportsplex (i.e., pool, squash courts, and weight room).
“This facility was originally built by the Fort Frances Kiwanis Club and donated to the town. Annual operating costs are fairly high and are supported by property taxation and user fees.
“In addition, we charge non-residents higher user fees—the rationale is that taxpayers subsidize its operational costs through their tax levy, regardless if they use the facility or not.”
The principles of charging non-residents fees also applies to use of the Fort Frances Public Library and cemetery, the report noted.
“So this is why and how the Town of Fort Frances attempts to provide a balance between the services paid for by residents and those users from other communities,” it read.
“Every effort is made to not have those user fees too high—we need and encourage outside users,” it added.
Mayor Witherspoon said yesterday the bylaw shows non-residents paying about 20 percent more than what residents do for many services, from ice rental to babysitting courses to birthday parties at the swimming pool.
The mayor added he’s open to hearing any complaints about the revised user fee schedule.
Each year hereafter, the bylaw will be reviewed during the budget process and adjusted accordingly.
Those interested in checking out the 28-page user fee schedule can find it at the Civic Centre or simply inquire about any fee changes at the respective municipal facility.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
