Due to the increasing costs and financial constraints under which Elmhurst District 205 is operating, the Finance and Operations Department undertook a study this school year which determined that the cost of facility rentals exceeds the fees collected.  The goal of the process was to create a rental policy that will be cost neutral.  Rentals should not be a drain on District resources, nor should they serve as a revenue source.  The District hosted two community user group feedback sessions where Board members and administrators listened to user ideas and feedback.  This input was taken into account in the formation of a new fee structure and Facility Rental Usage Agreement.

One of the major changes is the move to an hourly charge, as compared to a daily rate.  The facility usage fee will now be more closely aligned to the actual cost of that usage as incurred by the District.  Another benefit will be that user groups will only be able to place reservations for hours actually needed, which therefore provides more access to the schedule by community groups.  The previous structure had supervision and custodial fees that were substantial; those fees were charged to only some of the user groups.  Under the new structure, the District will be charging groups more equitably, with a more reasonable security and custodial fee.

Fees were raised two years ago, but prior to that, not since 1982. Upon implementation of this fee structure (which is effective immediately), there will be follow up with the affected groups and adjustments made to correct for possible unintended consequences. The new Facility Use Guidelines are posted at this link and are also posted on this page.