Are NorCal USTA League fees doubling in the near future?

As with most things in life, how much an activity or event costs is a factor in how many people are willing to pay and participate.  USTA League is no different, and there are frequent discussions over how much USTA membership costs, what discounts there may be, and what league registration fees and other associated league costs are.  If a player feels costs have gotten to a point that they are no longer getting value and/or if there are alternatives to play tennis or participate in other activities, players may stop playing in leagues or let their USTA membership lapse.

In light of that, in the past few days I've received e-mails and seen discussions about a vote by the NorCal USTA Board that appears to call for a "Facility Use Fee" to be added to all league registrations.  The meeting minutes are not terribly descriptive on details of how/when it will be rolled out or how the funds will be used, but show that a vote was taken at the board meeting in December, 2019 where adding a $25 "Facility Use Fee" was passed 9-7.

2020 league have begun in NorCal and the league registration fee was $29, up $1 from last year, so it does not appear this fee has kicked in yet.  But rumors are it will later in 2020, perhaps for the 18 & Over Mixed and 55 & Over Adult seasons.

Now, as you might imagine, as word of this has gotten out to players, they are none too happy.  In fact, a petition has been started to revoke the fee, and a Saving NorCal Leagues blog started with more information about how this all transpired.

If the history and background presented on that site are accurate, it does all seem a bit suspicious and questionable how an 86% increase in league fees would be approved after it had been repeatedly voted down in past years and from all indications, league staff, who are in touch with the players/captains and have a pulse on what makes sense and players will bear, were opposed to it.

Additionally, at least some board members appear to be from USTA member facilities that will benefit from a fee being collected and distributed to their facilities, which screams conflict of interest.

Now, the fee has not been implemented yet and I suppose it is possible it never will be, perhaps due to the response it is now getting.  It is also possible, although I've seen no indication of this, that the collection of the fee would result in the reduction or elimination of court fees being paid today at member facilities, and so the net effect will not be as large, at least for some players, as it appears (this is probably my over optimistic pipe dream).

I have not seen any details or explanation of how the proceeds will be used, so it is also possible the they will go towards improving facilities and keeping some open that might otherwise have to close or be converted for other uses, and not just line the pockets of private clubs.  Note however that this is not a blanket fund for all facilities, but just those that are USTA member facilities, and I'm not sure how many (or how few) there are in NorCal.  If there are very few, this fee could be going to a small number of facilities.

Regardless, an 86% increase in league fees seems a bit out of line and could have a serious impact on league participation.  I can't imagine that every player will willingly incur the cost and some may opt to not play USTA League, and perhaps drop their USTA membership as well as a result.  It feels like implementing this fee could bite NorCal USTA, and even USTA National, in the butt if they aren't careful.

If you are a NorCal USTA League player, what have you heard and what do you think?

Regardless of where you play, what do you think appropriate fees are to register for and play in a recreational tennis league?