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Hacienda maintenance and revenue shortfall highlighted as town evaluates long‑term options
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Summary
Committee reviewed Hacienda building maintenance needs and capital projects; staff described deferred maintenance costs, a capital sinking fund contributed by the Wedgwood operator, ongoing programming at the Hacienda, and the potential for a longer‑term operating relationship with the operator while litigation and capital needs continue.
The Audit & Finance Committee examined a series of Hacienda‑related maintenance and capital needs during its May 7 meeting, as staff outlined deferred maintenance items, funding sources and the operational role of the Wedgwood event operator.
Public Works presented six Hacienda building and facility projects that the town classifies largely as asset‑replacement and maintenance items; the set totals roughly $1.3 million in staff materials. Projects called out included roof replacements, HVAC work, flagstone stair repairs and playground resurfacing.
Town Manager Trudeau and Administrative Services Director Katie Bruner explained the town receives rental revenue from the Wedgwood operator for events and that Wedgwood has also been contributing to a capital sinking fund for facility improvements. Bruner said rental revenue offsets operating costs but the town is not collecting enough from the operator to fully cover longer‑term capital needs: “We’re covering our operating costs, but not necessarily the full cost of maintaining the facility with the Wedgwood from revenue from Wedgwood,” Bruner said.
Recreation Manager Jasmine Bateson described ongoing daytime and programmatic uses of the Hacienda: “The after school enrichment program uses the hacienda. So after school Monday through Thursday, there’s anywhere from 20 to 50 kids on‑site,” Bateson said. She added that recreation staff have expanded senior programs in the space, use the site for summer camps and that programming levels have not dropped substantially despite recent litigation affecting special events.
Knapp explained that some Hacienda‑area creek projects (Laguna Creek restoration phase 2) are permitted and expected to move into construction next year, and that other nearby slope stabilization work is funded largely by FEMA with a relatively small town match. Knapp recused himself from a portion of the Hacienda discussion; the town attorney is seeking FPPC guidance and Knapp left the room for that portion of the agenda.
Committee members asked whether Wedgwood’s contributions cover capital needs and whether the town intends to continue operating the Hacienda. Staff said the operator had invested in the kitchen and event infrastructure and is interested in a long‑term relationship; the town has ongoing programming and administrative uses at the site. Staff cautioned that the Hacienda requires continued capital investment and that litigation has reduced event revenue in the near term.
The committee did not take formal action on Hacienda operations or capital at the meeting but instructed staff to include the Hacienda projects in the CIP and to keep council informed about options and funding choices for long‑term facility stewardship.
