Those looking to rent city facilities for events next year may find that it will cost a little extra.

The Savage City Council discussed the fee schedule for 2017 at a Nov. 14 work session. Among the changes discussed was an increase in rental rates for many of the facilities that the city provides for residents and non-residents alike. But if the proposed fee changes pass, it will be non-residents who see the biggest increases.

One of the changes recommended by city staff is a new tiered system for the park shelters, making weekend and holiday rentals more expensive. The larger shelters, located at Hidden Valley Park, McCann Park and Summit Point Park, would also be more expensive. According to city documents, "the fees are slightly higher due to the higher number of possible attendees that requires more staff preparation to accommodate the renters' needs."

Currently, there is a flat fee of $50 for residents and $75 for non-residents. Under the new proposal, for the smaller shelters, residents would still pay $50 for rentals Monday through Thursday, but the price would increase to $75 for Friday through Sunday and holidays. At the larger shelters, it would be $60 for residents Monday though Thursday and $85 for residents Friday through Sunday and holidays. Nonprofit organizations located in the city and local schools could still reserve any shelter for free Monday through Thursday, but they would have to pay $50 for holidays or weekends. Non-residents would pay higher rates at each level, such as $150 for a weekend or holiday rental of one of the larger shelters.

Staff is also proposing that the fee schedule for the shelters includes a damage/cleaning fee statement so that renters are advised that they will be invoiced for all damage and/or additional cleaning.

For the McColl Pond Environmental Learning and Event Center (ELC), rental rates would also go up. But along with the increase in cost comes an amenity: a staff person who would be on-site for the duration of the rental. The facility can be rented by the hour or the day, and the cost of a full-day rental for residents would increase from $800 to $900, and it would increase from $1,200 to $1,300 for non-residents. Schools used to be able to use the classrooms for free, but now it would cost $15 per classroom per four-hour block.

If you're looking to book the ELC for a wedding, however, the costs would be just about the same as they are now due to the inclusion of proposed "wedding packages" that would include a discount on rates. For residents, the package would cost $1,200, and that would include the use of the Aspen Room, patio, and both classrooms from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Renters would also get an additional two hours that could be used for set-up the night before, or even a groom's dinner, or for clean-up the following morning. For non-residents, the package would cost $1,600.

Staff is also requesting that the fees for renting the Marion/Marietta Hall at Savage City Hall be raised. The cost is currently $25 per four-hour block no matter the day, but staff is proposing raising the rate to $50 per four-hour block on Friday though Sunday and holidays. According to city documents, "use of the room is high during these times creating most of the wear and tear on the room and additional clean up by staff."

The council is expected to vote on the proposed fee schedule for 2017 at a later meeting.