Fee hike for Huntington school facilities

The Huntington School Board has approved increases in the fee schedule for groups requesting to use district playing fields and facilities. The new fees apply to all organizations approved to use district facilities.

Before the vote during Monday night’s school board meeting, district Superintendent James Polansky said an analysis found Huntington was charging fees “well below” those charged by surrounding districts.

The new schedule differentiates between the types of groups that use the district’s facilities, such as nonprofit and for-profit. The revised schedule applies to both one-time use of a site for activities such as a concert, and to seasonal usage for groups such as athletic leagues.

Fees will be determined by the type of group using the facility. There is a discount for any group of at least 50 percent district residents.

“Ultimately it does align us with surrounding western Suffolk districts and it does provide a chance for greater revenue without taking opportunities for field or building use from groups who need it most,” Polansky said.

Longtime school board member Rich McGrath cast the lone vote against the revised fee schedule.