8/21/2019 Confusion on future of Boone YMCA persists - News - Boone News-Republican - Boone, IA

Confusion on future of Boone YMCA persists

By Michael Murrell, General Intern
Posted Aug 7, 2019 at 10:20 AM
Updated Aug 7, 2019 at 12:49 PM
The uncertainty about the future of the Boone YMCA continues to grow after
the city council meeting Monday night.

Linda Williamson, Chair of the Boone YMCA Board, spoke to the city council
about an update on the status of the YMCA.

“I think we realize that we no longer can run a business that doesn’t cover the
operating costs, that we don’t generate enough money to keep the doors open,”
said Williamson on Monday. “So the Boone Y will be closing.”

This update comes after months of uncertainty with Ruth Comer, Vice President
of Marketing and Communications of the YMCA Greater Des Moines, telling
the Boone News-Republican last month.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult for the Y to continue subsidizing the

operation and particularly because we are facing an immediate need for some
maintenance repairs and improvements to the facility that were in,” said Comer.
“The cost estimates for those repairs range anywhere from 1.5 to 2.3 million
dollars.”

The confusion grew for members of the community attending the city council
meeting when CEO and President of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines Leisha
Barcus stood up to speak Monday night.

According to Barcus, no decision has been made yet on whether or not to close
the Y, contradicting what Williamson had said just minutes earlier.

That differences was noticed by Third Ward council member Elijah Stines who
also brought up frustrations during the meeting as they decline from the YMCA
at his offer to organize a fundraiser for the Y.

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8/21/2019 Confusion on future of Boone YMCA persists - News - Boone News-Republican - Boone, IA

“We haven’t made that determination yet (on closing),” said Comer on Tuesday.
“We have an advisory board meeting on the Boone Y later this month and then
we have a YMCA board meeting after that. Both of those bodies will have to
weigh in before a determination is made on closing.”

Comer was steady in response to the meeting on Monday night that no decision
had been made despite what has been said.

“I think that one representative of the advisory board for the Boone Y was there
and I think made that comment,” said Comer. “While that is a possibility, we
haven’t made that determination yet so we can’t say that is happening because
other bodies have to discuss that and weigh in on that.”

Despite the confusion surrounding the future of the Boone YMCA, Comer
believes they have still been consistent in their communication surround the
future.

“I think that we have been pretty consistent in our message that our current
financial position is not sustainable,” said Comer. “The Y is not bringing in
enough revenue to support the cost of operations. Also, the building needs
between 1.3 and 2.5 million dollars in repairs. Some immediately and some fairly
soon.”

According to Comer, for now people should still continue to enjoy the services
that the Boone YMCA provides while a determination on the future is made.

“What we would say to members is that we are open,” said Comer. “Member’s
pay by the month so it is kind of a pay as you go situation. The Y is still open, if
you are a member we still are offering the same programs and services there.
Come and use the Y as you have been.”

According to Fifth Ward Councilman Greg Piklapp last month, the city would
be interested in partnering with a local run recreational facility but that they
need to receive more information about the financial situation from YMCA
Greater Des Moines.

The meeting for the advisory board on the future of the Boone YMCA is
scheduled to take place on August 27th. For more information you can contact
the YMCA of Greater Des Moines at 515-282-9622 or visit their website

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8/21/2019 Confusion on future of Boone YMCA persists - News - Boone News-Republican - Boone, IA

www.dmymca.org.

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