The problem of providing “affordable housing” has been a perennial topic of discussion for local officials. As part of that discussion city commissioners should remember that housing is only aspect of Lawrence’s cost of living.

The topic of affordable housing came up recently in connection with a couple of properties being marketed by Tenants to Homeowners, a local organization that works to build housing that low- and moderate-income residents can afford to purchase. The group currently has a couple of homes that have been on the market for some time, which is unusual. The problem, they say, may be the price.

One of the homes would appraise for about $180,000, but can be purchased through Tenants to Homeowners for $124,000. That’s a bargain, but only if a family can afford to make payments. Assuming a family would be able to afford only a minimum down payment, mortgage payments on a $124,000 house would be sizable.

The income guidelines used by Tenants to Homeowners would allow a family of four with an income of up to $51,750 to purchase the home. As much as some people would like to own a home, it seems it would be a stretch to feed, clothe and educate a family of four on that salary in addition to making monthly mortgage payments that include escrow money to pay the insurance premiums and property taxes for which the homeowner would be responsible.

Much concern has been expressed about people who work in Lawrence being able to afford to live here. That’s certainly a worthy goal, but housing is just one piece of the puzzle. Every time local units of government raise property taxes, every time utility rates or other fees increase, living in Lawrence becomes more expensive – especially for those who own a home.

One proposal connected to next year’s Lawrence city budget provides a good example. To deal with rising costs in Lawrence’s Parks and Recreation Department, City Manager Dave Corliss has recommended that admission to the city’s indoor and outdoor swimming pools be raised to $4 a head for anyone over 5 years old. Officials may try to justify charging children $4 for pool admission by comparing a swim to the other recreation options available in Lawrence, but it still seems high.

It seems especially high when you look a few miles down the road to Eudora, which just opened a nice new swimming pool. Admission to the Eudora pool is $3 for adults and $2 for children 13 and under. And they have special rates for people 55 to 69, who pay $1.50, and people over 70, who swim for free.

Such differences add up. Is it any wonder with tax rates and all the other factors that contribute to the cost of living in Lawrence that many area residents are opting to live elsewhere?