Young County approves $8,175.39 disbursement to support arena operating deficit

The Young County Commissioners Court approved a disbursement of $8,175.39 to cover the county’s share of an operating deficit at the Young County Arena, the court voted unanimously 5–0.

Arena representative Eric updated the court on operations and finances, reporting a fiscal-year-to-date operating deficit of $16,003.51 split evenly between the county and the GEIC, and total revenues of $481,016 against expenses of about $497,037. Eric said total contributions this fiscal year would be $59,833 with an original budgeted county contribution of $125,000.

Eric told the court that the arena currently has $58,816 in cash on hand and that organizers expect not to draw the full budgeted county contribution if no significant unplanned costs arise. “We should be about $30,000 short of that, but you never can tell what's around the corner,” Eric said.

The arena also reported elevated costs in janitorial supplies, fuel and equipment repairs—Eric cited a large skid-steer maintenance bill and rental costs for a lift—and noted internal staff changes. He praised new manager Julie Melrod for her work and said the board had promoted from within and planned to advertise for an open position.

Eric and other speakers listed sponsorship and donations that have supported arena operations this year, including Campbell Farmer Ranch ($5,000), Texelton Metals ($3,000), Bay Clinic ($750), EquiCam ($750) and others. The county moved and approved the disbursement following Eric’s presentation; Commissioner Wiley made the motion and Commissioner Craig seconded it. The motion passed 5–0.

Court members discussed that any unspent money will go into the arena’s fund balance and be available for future needs.