DEREKH FROUDE/Arizona Daily Wildcat Management and information systems junior Ben Gross works out his triceps at the Student Recreation Center Sunday afternoon while Matt George, a physiological sciences junior, waits for his set. This week's ASUA elections ballot will include a referendum for a $3 fee that would help pay for new equipment in the center.

Money would go to improving equipment, funding club sports, raises for workers

Students will vote tomorrow and Thursday on whether to assess an additional $3 activity fee for the Student Recreation Center.

The plan, which appears on the same ballot as the Associated Students of the University of Arizona elections, will provide newer equipment, additional funding for club sports and raises for students working at the center, 1400 E. Sixth St.

According to enrollment figures from fall 2001, the new fee would generate about $107,000, but students who don't want to pay the fee would be able to write a letter to the Bursar's Office to opt out.

About 65 percent of the center's equipment is more than 10 years old, said Juliette Moore, director of campus recreation.

"We get complaints about the equipment every time we turn around," said Rachel Brambila, a business management senior and Student Recreation Center employee.

The new fee would augment the current $25 charge, which will be in place until 2011. That money pays off the bonds taken out to pay for the building, which opened in August 1990.

If the measure passes, the $15,000 that ASUA gives annually to the center would go back to the student government, which would have control over how to allocate it.

If it passes, the current executive officers will recommend spending the money on clubs and other ASUA programs, but the new executives will decide how to spend it, said ASUA President Ray Quintero.

Current Sen. Jennifer Reece, who is running for executive vice president, wants to offset potential budget cuts with the money and Sen. Jered Mansell, who is running for administrative vice president, supports giving the money to SafeRide.

No other ASUA candidate has taken a stand on what to do with the $15,000.

Sports clubs also stand to benefit if the referendum is passed, as the money they receive from the recreation center and ASUA will likely increase from $60,000 to $85,000. The total budget for club sports is $525,285.35, said Mary O'Mahoney, club sports director.

"If it passes, funding will increase significantly," O'Mahoney said.

Down the road the department is looking at using the money to improve facilities, like renovating Bear Down Gym, Moore said.

If the referendum is passed, student staff would also get a raise, which would help keep them from leaving for higher-paying jobs.

"It would be nice to work for higher than minimum wage. It would help out with the bills a little," said Brambila, who works for security, pro shop, front desk and at the Robson Tennis Center, 900 N. Martin Ave., for Campus Recreation. "A lot of the student staff have second jobs."

Students can vote at the area between the Memorial Student Union and Second Street Parking Garage, the Student Recreation Center or at www.asua.arizona.edu from 8:00 a.m. Wednesday to 8:00 p.m. Thursday.