SAFFORD — The City of Safford is taking the first step in determining user costs.
The city has issued a request for proposals to conduct a comprehensive user fee study of the city’s recreation activities.
“The Comprehensive User Fee Study will calculate the full 100-percent cost of providing certain City services and provide a recommended fee to be charged for each applicable service based on a systematic rational of subsidy,” the bid package reads.
The consultant hired will look at all fees the city currently charges, as well as services for which there are currently no fees, and compare that to the cost to provide the services. Finally, the consultant will make a recommendation for fees that will be reviewed by city staff before being taken to the City Council for discussion and action.
Under recreation, the city currently charges for use of the pool, including:
- $1 entry for end of school
- $2 day entry
- $1.25 night entry
- $7 family entry
- $50 youth season pass
- $125 family season pass
- $3 adult lap swim
- $25 adult lap swim season pass
- $40 swim lessons
- $60 swim team
- $250 to rent the facility for a party
- $25 picnic area rental
Other recreation fees include:
- $50 per hour rental of the City Annex community room
- $300 day use of City Annex community room
- $50 rental of City Annex conference room
- $10 for use of electricity at an outdoor facility
- $50 per hour rental of a park ramada
- $500 rental of a large tent
- $115 rental of a dance floor
- $1.50 each for chairs
- $8.50 each for tables
- $1 each for traffic cones, barricades and signs
- $5 each for 90-gallon containers
- $15 each for 300-gallon containers
Mt. Graham Golf Club rates vary based on the season. Currently the rate ranges from $5 for a junior/student golfer walking 9 holes to $43 for a non-county resident using a golf cart for 18 holes on the weekend. There are also seven-day and weekday only passes available for three, six or 12 months, as well as a Valley Card available to Graham County residents that offers discounts on play.
Deadline to bid for the contract is July 7. The contract will be awarded by the City Council in September, and the work is to be completed and submitted to the city by Feb. 28, 2026, so the council may review in March.
