Renting Diamond Park for an event could cost more if county commissioners give their approval to a rate increase next week.

Lance Welliver, the county parks and recreation director, asked the commissioners Wednesday to approve an update to the park rental ordinance to accommodate changes for the rental of the small park, which is normally used for festivals in the downtown area.

Most recently Diamond Park was the site of the Carved in Ice Festival, which was hosted last Saturday by the Butler A.M. Rotary.

County solicitor Mike English explained that county workers must staff festivals when the park is rented.

Normally one maintenance worker connects and oversees the electric cables extended to the park, and another is also needed worker for general maintenance and setup each time the park is rented.

English said the Diamond Park rental fee should be raised to cover those employee costs for the county. That amount would mean an additional $60 per hour, per employee, he said.

“It's the cost to cover staffing,” English said.

He said the Butler A.M. Rotary was contacted regarding the potential increase, and did not protest.

The Rotary is the main group to rent Diamond Park throughout the year.

English said the county is also looking into installing electric service at the park to eliminate the need for cables to be strung throughout the property when events are held.