New Braunfels backs off most new river fees

New Braunfels Mayor Gail Pospisil speaks during a city council meeting. On the agenda was the proposed ordinance to ban disposable containers on the Comal River. New Braunfels Mayor Gail Pospisil speaks during a city council meeting. On the agenda was the proposed ordinance to ban disposable containers on the Comal River. Photo: Robin Jerstad/Special To The Express-News Photo: Robin Jerstad/Special To The Express-News Image 1 of / 254 Caption Close New Braunfels backs off most new river fees 1 / 254 Back to Gallery

NEW BRAUNFELS — Public opposition to enacting new fees to use the Comal River in New Braunfels prompted the City Council to retreat Monday from charging $5 to out-of-towners and $2 to city residents at two municipal parks.

Mayor Gale Pospisil said city leaders heard lots of feedback, much of it critical, since voting two weeks ago to enact the new charges for patrons of Prince Solms Park and Hinman Island Park on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

The opposition continued at Monday's meeting, even after the proposal was amended to eliminate the fee for city residents, said Pospisil, who has previously stood alone on the council in opposing charging locals.

“A lot of the people said we didn't have the legal right to charge people to reach a state waterway. We had legal opinions on both sides,” she said Tuesday. “Others were concerned that a $5 fee might drive off visitors and hurt local businesses.”

The debate Monday concluded with a 7-0 vote by council against enacting any new entrance fee at the parks.

However, Pospisil said council did approve a $10 daily parking fee at Prince Solms Park that will be enacted as soon as meters are installed.

Also, she said, council directed staff to draft a proposal that would increase to $2 the river management fee enacted years ago of $1.25 per inner tube rental, collected for the city by river outfitters.

The proposals are driven by a desire by council members to help recoup city expenses related to maintaining the river and parks, and for police patrols there.

zeke@express-news.net