Citing increased costs incurred in the maintaining and servicing of the Gene Bianchi Community Center facility, members of the Oakdale City Council approved staff’s request for a rental rate increase at its meeting on Monday, Nov. 21.

Opened in October 2005, the facility underwent an extensive renovation to the floor and wall coverings in July and currently proposals to upgrade the lighting controls and the audio/visual technology for the Main Hall and two conference rooms are being accepted. The upgrade will include smart televisions in the two conference rooms, an upgraded lighting control system, and drop-down presentation screens.

The Bianchi Community Center remains a steady income source for the city through rentals, meetings, weddings and community events.

Staff assured council that the highest increase in rental fees would be reserved for groups and individuals outside of the Oakdale area, according to the three-tier pricing schedule.

The last rate increase for the facility was in 2016.

Even with the rate increase, the local facility remains on the lower end of comparable city rates.