CLEARWATER - Going to a Pinellas County park is going to be a little more expensive for some residents.
County commissioners formally approved Tuesday new user fees to park boat trailers and reserve space at county parks for large events. But a proposed $50 to $100 charge to book a picnic shelter at county parks didn't fly.
"People come to our county parks, a lot of them don't have very much money," said Commissioner Barbara Sheen Todd. "Are we going to be charging everyone who comes in and wants a shelter $50?"
Commissioner Susan Latvala worried that the reservation fee would make the park inaccessible for many residents.
"I think you should be able to go to the park to have a family picnic without having to spend 50 bucks," she said.
Officials say the new fees will help recoup park maintenance and cleaning costs. The fees are expected to raise about $975,000 a year.
The services are now free.
"You can't just continually raise taxes or expect to have a lot of money to do some of these things," Commissioner Calvin Harris said. "Everybody needs to develop the habit of paying for what they get. Right now we are not fostering that habit in Pinellas County."
To host large events in county parks will cost between $300 and $2,000 beginning in October.
People who launch boats and then park the trailer will pay either a $5 daily fee or $100 for an annual pass, starting as early as January. Those with canoes or kayaks strapped to the top of their vehicles won't have to pay the fee.
Commissioners favor an honor system in which people would put money in a box.
Harris said many cities have similar fees, including a charge for reserving picnic shelters.
Commissioners also agreed Tuesday to charge cars and vans $10 to drive through a holiday light display at Lake Seminole Park. Mini buses would pay $15, and buses would pay $25.
