Athletic Field Use Presentation

TOWN OF WICKENBURG
Athletic Field Fee Schedule
Final Council Action
T. Mayerhofer
February 2, 2026

December 1, 2025, Council Action Recap
• Field scheduling moved to administrative 
management
• Priority structure and enforcement approved
• Council retains authority over fees
What Council Already Approved
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What Tonight Is
Final Vote on Fee Schedule
Required after 60-day Notice of 
Intent
Fees may be reduced, not 
increased

4
Why Fees Matter
Fields are taxpayer-
funded assets
• Fields require turf 
care, irrigation, 
electricity, lighting, 
and staff-time.
Ongoing maintenance 
& staffing costs
• Fees help offset costs 
while keeping access 
affordable. 
• Increased use and 
types of use require 
additional staff time. 
Fees promote fairness 
and sustainability
• This is about 
responsible 
stewardship of public 
assets.

5
Gift Clause & Framework
Government Entity? 
• Yes = 
Intergovernmental 
Agreement
• No = Gift Clause 
Analysis
Public Purpose?
• Does it benefit the 
general public
Do taxpayers receive  
proportionate value?

Why do Government Entities Qualify by 
Law? 
• Governmental entities
o Public Schools, ADOT, County, Mutual Aid
• Serve all resident students (no cost, 
agreement, affiliation, etc…)
• IGAs create a public-to-public exchange 
of value
• Shared facilities and coordination reduce 
taxpayer duplication.
• ESA funding is not part of this analysis.
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Government Entities & IGA

Yes  
Waiver May Apply
No 
 
Cost Required
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“But-For” Analysis – Legal Test
Would the Town provide 
this program?

Why Seasonal Waivers Apply?
• Open to any child
• Volunteer-run nonprofits
• Broad Community Benefit
• Town of Wickenburg would offer 
programming in lieu of partnership
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Open-Enrollment Youth Recreation

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Community Engagement & Feedback
• Community Programming Advisory Board
• WCA Football Coach
• WCA Head of School
• WCA Board Member
Direct meetings with impacted groups
Explanation of Gift Clause and fee structure
• Fees viewed as reasonable
• Questioned why fees weren’t higher or per hour
• Noted need for individuals to fundraise
Broad understanding and support

10
Alignment with Council Direction
Proposed Fee Schedule
•Flat, per-field, per-day fees
•Reduced nonprofit rates
•Consistent with existing facility rentals
•Below full cost recovery

Fee Schedule
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Community Engagement 
& Feedback

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Council Action Tonight
Approve fee 
schedule
• Fees may be reduced
• Fees cannot be increased
Broad Support of 
recommended fee 
schedule
Protects taxpayers
Ensures Legal 
Compliance
Supports public 
youth recreation

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Questions?