Revised membership fees will be $20 for Keller residents and $70 for non-residents.
Two non-residents spoke up against the increased fees for non-residents. “Several people have said they just can’t afford it. If it’s a couple, then they’re paying $140,” said Margie Tridapo of Fort Worth. “That’s the issue with people living on fixed incomes.”
Council member Ross McMullin acknowledged the concern over raising non-resident fees. “In reflecting on some of the comments we heard tonight, we incorporated a ton of feedback, including what we heard tonight. I didn’t want to take a vote on this without acknowledging that there was careful deliberation on this,” he said.
The City of Keller has operated the new Keller Senior Activities Center for approximately one year and membership has exceeded original expectations, resulting in additional demand on staff and on the facility, according to city documents.
Mayor Armin Mizani also recognized the feedback that the city has received as of late about senior center operations. “I think you’ve got a council that values the non-resident. Some of the feedback received was to do away with [allowing] non-residents, and just [allow] residents,” said Mizani. “I don’t think anyone on this council wants to do that. There’s no value in that.”
Mizani went on to say that due to increased usage of the senior center, the city sought to offset operational costs and potentially hire additional staff by increasing non-resident dues, but that financial assistance was available for those seniors that needed it.
“What we did want to do is create a mechanism for us to number one, keep [fees] reasonable at $20 a year and $70 a year for non-residents,” Mizani said. “If it’s unreasonable for anyone to pay for that, one of the discussions was to utilize the Keller Senior Fund by way of scholarships and grants that they can come and assist. We don’t want any senior turned away because they can’t afford $70 a year.”
