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MWR OPERATIONS

EXPECTED MWR CHANGES
The following changes in MWR
‘A lot of effort went into looking at how we can save operations or prices are some, but not
necessarily all, of those that NAS Pax
money but still continue to maintain the level of pro- River customers can expect to see be-
gramming and services we currently provide. We have to ginning April 1. The MWR Department
points out that it will continue to look
raise prices so that we don’t lose these benefits, because at all operations and make necessary
adjustments in order to sustain service.
Dine on the Go. Reduce operation
if things go away, they’ll likely never come back. ... ‘ hours to lunch only from 11 a.m. to 3
— Jeff Sias, NAS Patuxent River, Md., Fleet and Family Readiness (N9) Director p.m.; weekdays only.
River’s Edge Catering and Con-
ference Center. Both Hot Buffet price
and Soup & Salad Bar price increase
by 95 cents from their current prices
solution. MWR looked carefully at all of its operations and of $10 and $9, respectively; a la carte menu increase of 25
asked its managers to identify areas where they could find cents for some items; iced tea, soda and coffee prices increase
financial and performance improvement; and facilities utiliza- by 25 cents.
tion played an important role in that evaluation. Drill Hall Fitness Center. Fitness center, gym and pool
“Fortunately, we keep very good statistics on customer will close at 8 p.m.
usage of our facilities and services, so we were able to see Bowling Center. Reduce Hours of operation: Closing 5
where we don’t get much participation at certain times of p.m. Sundays, 8 p.m. Mondays, and midnight Fridays.
day,” Arnett noted. “If we can close up at those times, we save Center Stage Theater. Ticket prices increase by 10 percent;
salary money; and salary is the most expensive component, begin charging for theater space usage.
no matter what type of business you’re in.” West Basin Marina. Increase slip and dry storage fees
In fact, by not backfilling some vacant positions in certain by $1 per foot; sailboat rental fees by 10 percent; property
operations, MWR will be able to save a significant amount storage fees by 10 percent; campsite fees by 10 percent; begin
of money. charging for electricity at boat slips.
“The vast majority of our staff salaries are non-appropriated Auto Skills Center. Increase vehicle storage by 10 percent.
funds, which means salaries are paid through fees and charges; Community Recreation. Increase in equipment rental and
we don’t hire many GS personnel,” Sias clarified. GS (General pavilion fees by 10 percent; eliminate tier pricing for junior
Schedule) employees are paid with appropriated funds. enlisted members E1-E5.
Liberty Center. Reduce staffing on weekends.
UTILITIES COSTS
Utilities are another big expense for MWR, especially at NRC SOLOMONS
Pax River’s West Basin Marina, where the organization has The following changes are set to take place at the Navy
been absorbing the cost: $25,000 per year. Recreation Center:
“We’ve been carrying the burden for a long time, paying Special event fees increase $2 per person; reduce hours of
for marina utilities out of slip fees; and we can’t do it any- operation in certain seasons; increase price of swim lessons;
more,” noted Frank Pace, the air station’s recreation division introduce bundle package to seasonal marina berthing patrons
manager. “In order to keep services at a quality level, utility for both berthing and storage in the 20- and 30-foot slips;
fees will be implemented in April. increase lodging rates $5 per night per Commander, Naval
“But even with that, we can honestly say our customers Installations Command (CNIC) guidance; reduce hours of
will still see a 25-30 percent savings at Pax over the outside lodging operation; reintroduce onsite storage to RV patrons;
community.” introduce seasonal storage contracts for RV guests.
In addition to adjusting fee structures, reducing and aligning — Donna Cipolloni, NAS Patuxent River
hours and services, saving on salaries, and working internally Public Affairs, reported the above information.
to reduce supply costs and maintenance expenses, certain —MCH
MWR activities will begin promoting bundle packages to
patrons and will increase marketing opportunities to help
generate additional income. Visit us online at
“A lot of effort went into looking at how we can save money www.milclubhospitality
but still continue to maintain the level of programming and
services we currently provide,” Sias added. “We have to raise .com
prices so that we don’t lose these benefits, because if things go
away, they’ll likely never come back. When we’re subsidized,
we pass that along but, unfortunately, when we’re no longer
subsidized, we also pass that along. Hopefully, people will
understand how MWR works and how we’re responsible for
our financial situation.”

10 MILITARY CLUB & HOSPITALITY | FEBRUARY 2018