Recreation Program Refunds Called Into Question

Refunds of Manchester recreation program fees were called into question Monday by a resident who said that the township should not return money to those who are unable attend. 

Though refunds are routinely issued by the , not all are granted because a resident had a change of heart. In some cases, programs are canceled or dates are changed, causing scheduling conflicts, said Council President Craig Wallis.

"It's not a big issue that we're really concerned about yet," Wallis said at the council's regular meeting. "If it continues to grow, it should be looked at."

Two refunds totalling $70 were issued at the April 9 regular meeting. In March, three $70 refunds were issued because a theater trip was changed. Councilmember Warren Reiter said that residents who purchased tickets to the originally planned performance did not want to see the alternate play.

Leisure Village West resident Fred Lund said during public comment that the township should not be so accommodating and should instead focus on saving money. 

"I think these tickets should be sold on the basis of no refunds because there are costs involved," he said.

Manchester in some cases contracts with businesses for recreation programs. In the case of a Zumba class that was canceled, the township cannot keep that money and not provide a class, said township attorney Steven Secare.

"If the service gets canceled, legally we have no right to collect that money," he said.

Councilmember Samuel Fusaro said that, depending on the type of program, a waiting list may be established. This means that if a resident must break a commitment, another will be ready to sign up and pay the program cost.

"You really don't lose anything," Fusaro said. 

Lund then questioned what the cost of writing and mailing checks is to the township.

"There are a lot of hands involved in here," Lund said. "I can't see anywhere where you people are saving us any money. The simplest way to do it is to have a policy of no refunds."

Wallis said that the township does not incur much cost in issuing refunds, save for the "two or three minutes" that it takes to deal with a resident's refund.

"This is a service for the residents," Wallis said. "It's a minimal cost to accommodate residents, which are taxpayers. Maybe you're going to lose a couple of dollars here with the labor that it takes to process."

Refusing refunds no matter the reason would not be in the best interest of the township, Wallis said.

"That's money hungry to me," he said. "If it does become something that's very trendy and costing us a lot, then I agree with you 100 percent. Then we'd need a policy to cut it down. But it's not an issue that is costing us much money."

Lund said that the municipal government should stay out of recreation activities. 

"We need to have something for the children," Wallis said in response. "In our community, we have a lot of seniors and they need an opportunity to get out. I think that is part of our responsibility."

Residents can see theater shows locally on a township run trip for far less than it costs to see a Broadway production, Wallis said.

"That's not our responsibility," Lund said.

Reiter said that Mayor Michael Fressola asked him to look into the refund issue about three years ago. 

"I think you'll find that the vast majority are called for," Reiter said.

If refunds do become an issue, Wallis said that it is something council members will consider altering. 

"I agree with you partially, Mr. Lund, in that if it is a big problem then we have to have a strong policy," Wallis said.