BOONE, Iowa—The future of the Boone County Family YMCA, to operate as an affiliate of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines will be determined later this month, when the Board of Directors of the “Y” of Greater Des Moines will decide if they will continue to cover funding shortfalls occurring at the local facility. Linda Williamson, President of the local “Y” Board told the Boone City Council that the bottom line is the current facility is worn out and repairs would cost between $1 million and $2 million dollars. She also told the Council that the income generated locally can not cover the cost of operations, usually coming up short by $40,000 to $50,000 per year. Currently, it is not sustainable.
Williamson was joined at the Boone City Council meeting Monday by Leisha Barcus, CEO of the “Y” of Greater Des Moines. Barcus told the Council that “Y” in Boone currently has 959 memberships or about 2,250 people. She said about 25% receive scholarships or assistance this year amounting to $96,000. The Boone “Y” generates revenue from membership fees, program fees and contributed income, this year amounting to $76,000. Barcus said she understands there is animosity between the community and the “Y” of Greater Des Moines and she wanted the community to understand that money raised in Boone is used in Boone. She said the “Y” of Greater Des Moines provides administrative services like payroll and is supposed to be reimbursed for that service, something that hasn’t been happening.
The Board for the “Y” of Greater Des Moines will be meeting August 27th and the matter of the Boone County Family “Y” is on the agenda. Barcus said if a decision is made terminate the affiliation, a 30-day notice would be given. The “Y” of Greater Des Moines currently owns the building in Boone, essentially turned over the “Y” in 2005 by the Boone County Hospital. The Hospital Board at the time was faced with many of the same issues that exist today. Sustainable income and mounting maintenance costs.
Williamson did invite the council and city staff to help establish a committee that could begin seeking alternatives for the services currently provided by the Boone County Family “Y”. It’s expected that other entities will be invited to participate in future discussions.
