Recreation Committee Statement on the Increase of User Fees
 
Similar to all communities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Town of Wrentham has
experienced significant financial hardship over the last few years. Due to the Town’s current debt and
financial difficulties, the Board of Selectmen entertained a Debt Exclusion vote last spring. Regrettably, the
debt exclusion vote did not pass and Wrentham was forced to institute cuts to all Town Department. The
Recreation Department’s maintenance budget was reduced by 1/3 or $5,000. To compound the budgeting
problem, the Recreation Department was already experiencing a deficit this past year in the maintenance
budget due to escalating costs in gas, materials, equipment, repairs and labor. Due to these raising costs,
the maintenance budget operated at a deficit of $55,000.
Following extensive reflection and evaluation, the Recreation Committee voted unanimously to increase
user fees to $60, $65, and then $70 over the next three years. Again, this action was taken mainly because of
significant cuts in our maintenance budget and the escalating costs of our maintenance efforts. We regret
having to pass these costs onto our user groups but the Recreation Committee feels strongly about
maintaining the current conditions of the recreation facilities and the level of safety for the children of
Wrentham at all of our complexes. The Recreation Committee appreciates your understanding in this
matter. Should you have any questions about these revised user fees, please feel free to contact Jeff
Plympton at (508) 384-5427