News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Crossville city officials are looking into partnering with Putnam County’s YMCA to offset costs for the upcoming indoor recreation facility.
City officials discussed the recreation center at a Tuesday night work session. The YMCA would handle the operation of the facility, a potential benefit according to council members. Putnam County Family YMCA CEO Mandy Perhay said she is concerned about how expensive the costs will end up being.
“I think there’s a blend,” Perhay said. “I think Ys across the nation have a certain way that we operate with certain spaces, and so I do think there could be a marriage between what you have and what a YMCA could need to be sustainable.”
Perhay said the city needs to avoid implementing too many features in the center as any that go unused will quickly become a financial liability. Perhay said she recommends that adequate gym space is maintained throughout the planning process.
City attorney Randall York said the next step in the process is setting up a meeting with the YMCA to discuss the details of the potential partnership.
“I don’t see anything wrong with meeting with the Y to get their input on the front end,” York said. “To see what their requirements are, what they may be looking at. And then once you do that, then I think that the council needs to consider which proposal or any modifications that might exist. Then consider: is this a doable deal? Is this something that we want to do and to pursue?”
City officials said the agreement would allow them to completely avoid an estimated $800,000 deficit needed to operate the facility.
“The gymnasium is a huge need,” Purhay said. “And I think you heard him say if you want to do tournaments from outside organizations you need four gyms. If you want to do tournaments for more local places, two gyms is fine. And so I would not cut the gym.”
