After residents raised concerns about lost revenue resulting from the city council's decision to suspend admission fees at Bandera City Park, the council voted Tuesday to resume charging admission for the summer season.
The decision came during a special meeting June 2, reversing a March action that temporarily eliminated admission fees because of high E. coli levels and low water levels in the Medina River.
During the March 24 city council meeting, former City Secretary Allyson Wright told council members park revenue had steadily declined over the past several summers.
"Last year we brought in $31,000, we spent $17,000," Wright said. "So, we profited $13,000 for the park. We used to bring in [around] $180,000."
To explain the declining revenue and reduced appeal of the park, Wright provided reports documenting elevated E. coli levels in the river.
"I don't see it getting any better, I see it getting worse," Wright said. "It's a good revenue source for when the river is nice."
Wright also cited challenges staffing the ticket booth during weekends when visitation was low.
"Nobody wants to work the weekends when there's nobody coming into the park," Wright said.
Council members Tammy Morrow and Debbie Breen attempted to ask additional questions before Council Member Lynn Palmer moved to suspend admission fees.
"I would like to just move this agenda along a little bit quicker," Palmer said before making the motion.
Wright noted at the time that the council could reverse the decision later if conditions changed.
At the June 2 meeting, Morrow requested the issue be placed back on the agenda.
"I know we closed it because of the water conditions and I know they have not improved that much," Morrow said. "But still, they have improved some. We were getting the park clean all weekend long. I think we jumped the gun on closing it."
According to local doctor Randi Mellon, who spoke during public comment, the admission program generated an estimated profit of $25,000 during the 2023-24 fiscal year and approximately $16,000 during the 2024-25 fiscal year.
The council unanimously approved reinstating admission fees.
Bandera City Park charges $10 for adults and $5 for Bandera County residents and children. Admission is free for active-duty military personnel, veterans, first responders, seniors 65 and older, Bandera Independent School District students and children younger than 6.
The council also reduced the cost of a seasonal park pass from $100 to $75.
Admission fees are expected to resume June 21, Father's Day weekend.
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