Board wants to keep Lahti’s sports services money - removed 370 000 euro savings target from the budget

The Welfare and Recreation Committee hopes that the costs will be covered by increased revenues. This could mean new fees for sports services.

Skiers on the slopes of first snow in Lahti. — The Board noted that the possibility of increasing the income of the sports department should be explored. An example was given of the possibility of charging a fee for the use of first snow. Archive photo of the Lahti first snow load in November 2021.

The Lahti Welfare and Leisure Board does not want to cut sports services next year. Officials proposed a savings commitment of €370 000 for sports services.

The Board unanimously removed the cut and noted that the allocation of savings to sports services will be considered in the longer term, once the sports facilities study has been completed.

One way to increase revenue is being explored, and one way to increase it could be to charge user fees on the first snow slope.

Yesterday, the Welfare and Leisure Committee also discussed the budget proposals for the city theater and orchestra, museum, library and cultural services.

For example, with regard to the theater, according to the board, efforts must be made to implement the savings goals by increasing ticket prices. The board set a total of 445,000 euros in savings for its entire area of \u200b\u200bresponsibility.

The city of Lahti has a multi-year economic balancing program that applies to all industries. Ultimately, the council decides on the use of next year’s money.