Like many businesses, government agencies, and other service providers, the Highlands Recreation District continues to see its costs rise which have a direct impact on its bottom line and ultimately the fees that customers pay for services. In particular, the fees that banks charge the District for the convenience provided to customers to pay with their credit or debit cards have been steadily rising over the years. The average cost of accepting credit cards rose 26% during the period between 2014 to 2018. In response, many businesses and government agencies right here in San Mateo County have started to pass on the convenience fee to their customers as well as offering a cash discount or incentive to pay with cash, check or eCheck.

Starting with winter class registration on November 15, all payments using a credit or debit card will be subject to a 3.95% service fee. Customers can avoid paying this service fee by paying by cash, check or eCheck. Customers who register online will now see two payment options, Pay by Credit Card or Pay by Bank Account. Prior to paying customers will receive an itemized receipt that includes the cost of the class or product and the service fees if there are any. Rec customers who are accustomed to seeing a flat $5 transaction fee for their class registration will no longer see this charge.

We realize that this may be a change in how you are used to registering for classes or paying your monthly tuition payments, but we are working hard to roll out these changes as smoothly as possible to limit your inconvenience. For those customers with monthly childcare tuition payments, these changes will not go into effect until January to allow time to implement changes to our invoicing system.

Registration for winter classes and programs begins November 15 for residents and November 22 for non-residents. There are several new classes and programs planned for the winter including Ukulele, Adult Rumba and Argentine Tango, plus the monthly senior socials that the Rec hosts have been a big hit with our Highlands seniors. Visit our website www.highlandsrec.ca.gov to learn about these and other happenings at the Rec.

Derek Schweigart

General Manager