Student fees could increase tonight for the third time this semester.

If Student Senate passes a $6 student recreation fee increase, it will bring the total student fee increases passed this semester to $31.

The $6 increase would be split into three parts to better accommodate inflation increases, said Mary Chappell, director of recreation services.

An increase of $4.25 would allow recreation services to cover inflationary costs, such as raises in minimum wage or an increase in utility costs.

An increase of 75 cents would go to a sports fee to help pay for equipment, rentals and travel for University club sports and sports teams not sanctioned by the NCAA. Recreation services currently splits about $109,000 between the 29 club sports at the University, Chappell said.

A final increase of $1 would be set aside for unforeseen obstacles, like a rise utility costs drastically increase or repairs were needed in the future.

“We don’t have the back-up funds to pay for those unknown problems,” Chappell said.

She said the fee increases were a budgetary planning tool.

“We wouldn’t have enough funds to make it to the fiscal year 2009 if they aren’t increased,” she said.

Recreation service fees have not been increased since 1999 when the Student Recreation and Fitness Center referendum passed making it possible to fund the building.

According to Senate rules and regulations, fees should be reviewed every three years.

Austin Kelly, Lawrence junior and Student Senate treasurer, said that inflation had taken a toll on the Recreation Services.

“Recreation services is very important to students,” Kelly said. “It’s one thing on campus that almost everyone uses.”

As with all increases, it is possible for the bill to go to referendum in the April 11 and 12 elections.

Since the beginning of the semester, Senate has approved increases of $25 per semester for students fees. A $5 per semester increase was approved to accommodate a wireless Internet expansion. A transportation fee increase of $20 a semester was added to provide newer buses for the University.

Kansan staff writer Ashlee Kieler can be contacted at akieler@kansan.com.

— Edited by Ryan Schneider