Entry 616 of 824
By Think! Christiansburg On September 18, 2009 at 4:03 PM
First, remember that guy who threw shoes at the former president (and what that action indicates culturally).  Then remember when that happened and that the culprit was only just released from jail this week.

None of this is final, but it is being discussed.  Certainly another FOIA request could produce related documents and emails.  Some council members are aware, some don't seem to have been provided this information.  This may be news to a majority of residents in the Town of Christiansburg as well. 

What is being discussed is possibly even higher rates for the new aquatic center than introduced in the business plan which Council got a first peek at in March.

Comparing this to another new recreational facility just 30 minutes away already showed steeply higher pricing than Christiansburg's.  Possible changes for Christiansburg's annual membership fees reportedly now under consideration are:

Town Resident
 Then
   Now
 Child 2-11          
  $104
  $180
 Youth 12-17
  $156  $270
 Adult 18-59
  $260  $450
 Sr 60+ or Disabled
  $156  $270
 Family of 2
  $364  N/A
 Family of 3
 $468
  $990
 Family of 4
  $572  $990
 Family of 5
  $676  $990
 Family of 6+
  $790  $990
 Sr. Couple
  N/A  $450
 Couple or Single Parent/Child
  N/A  $720

Do keep in mind this is before any extra activities related to lessons or  for non-town residents.  Do keep in mind this excludes competition meet pricing items.  Do keep in mind this is just in a discovery and discussion phase. 

Do keep in mind this only lists possible annual membership rates, but not daily pass, 12-visit or monthly membership rates. 

So one shoe dropping may have been the budgeted opening date.  Another one could have been the real or contracted opening date.  Another may have been the terms of the lease agreement between the town and Virginia Tech, and when it was actually signed. 

Another may be the need to allow an effective tax increase, leaving real property tax rates unchanged even though it may be presumed to assess at a higher value -- or even seeing Christiansburg's .114 cents per hundred valuation jump up significantly.  Another may be starting a similar fee system for the town's Recreational facility, which to date has been free to residents who utilize it. 

Another may be if these proposed fees price many residents out of the picture, or limit them to only an occasional visit (and if it will mean some families have to choose between existing activities or memberships at other facilities instead of supporting this one).  As the town manager said last December, Council will be the ones who "take the heat" for costs and access or hours of operation.

Are there any other shoes left in the closet?   If there are -- just don't throw any, please.  Or swim fins, either.