New RCSC fee structure could eliminate need for $90 hike

Independent Newsmedia/Charlene Bisson

OPINION — In response to the Recreation Centers of Sun City’s proposed 13% increase in annual fees for 2027, I respectfully submit the following long-term solution based on a basic search and calculations:

• RCSC’s 2026 operating budget for property assessments is $16,037,144.
• 26,626 housing units assessed at $680 equals $18,105,680 in revenue.
• 38,138 residents, 11,512 not paying fees equals $7,828,160 in lost revenue.

An unfair burden has been carried by single-member households for too many years. Instead of increasing the fees for a portion of Sun City residents based on the number of housing units, I recommend a fee for all residents.

If the RCSC fee system were based on actual number of residents, there would not be a need for another unfair increase to single-member households.

Consider the following options which would reduce the burden on single-member households and ease the adjustment for more than one member in a household. Each of these options would be sufficient for the 2026 operating budget.

• 38,138 x $450: $17,162,100
• 38,138 x $500: $19,069,000
• 38,138 x $600 22,882,800

Given the technology available and the RCSC data obtained at the closing of every property, which also collects a substantial fee, the RCSC only needs to review the closing date data to determine the occupancy, in my opinion.

The system currently submits fees based on the closing dates. There is ample time between now and January to update the records for the first quarter, etc.

If increase the fees were the same as trim the RCSC fat, perhaps increases wouldn’t be needed. We need an equitable distribution of responsibility to maintain the Recreation Centers of Sun City.

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