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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- It's that time of the year to finalize the budget for 2010 and many city departments are looking for ways to make more money.    

The Kirksville Aquatic Center is looking at increasing the costs of individual and family passes.

Officials say this is one way to offset expenses to maintain the indoor and outdoor pool.

“Every year when we complete our budget process we look at what we're charging and we want to compare that to what other folks are charging in the area, what our costs are associated with the Aquatic Center and trying to evaluate where our admission fees need to be,” said Community Services Director Melanie Smith.

They're also offering more water aerobics classes and more programs for kids.

“We've always kinda had an informal birthday party program but this will expand it.  We'll take care of all the work for you.  We'll get the invitations and the snacks you can even have ‘Ferdinand’ our mascot come to the party.  And we'll take care of all the organizing.  You just have to give us the day and show up,” said Smith.

But it won't cost more for everyone to swim next year.  The daily admission fees won't change but the age cut-off for the lower price will go from 18 and under to 9 years and under.  Adults will pay $3.50 and the junior and senior passes are $3.00.  Children under two years old are free.
    
The punch passes will actually decrease in value from three dollars a punch to $2.50.  That means 10 punches will cost $25 and 50 punches are $125.

If you plan to buy an unlimited swimming pass for 2010 you will pay more than you did in 2009.

The three month individual pass will increase from $60 to $75.

A three month family pass will cost you $150 and you'll pay $300 dollars for a yearly family pass.  That’s an increase of $25 and $50.

For a link to the Aquatic Center website, click here.