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Barre civic‑center complex runs operating deficits; officials outline steps to boost use
Summary
City staff told the council the Civic Center Complex (Municipal Auditorium, BOR, Alumni Hall) ran an approximately $264,615 deficit in FY24, driven mainly by staffing and the loss of cell‑tower revenue; officials described programming changes, turf use, and potential facility improvements to increase rentals and community access.
Barre City officials told the council on Tuesday that the Civic Center Complex — the Municipal Auditorium, the BOR and Alumni Hall — has operated at a deficit for years and the facilities posted a combined shortfall in fiscal 2024.
City Manager Nicholas said, “In f y 24, the overall deficit was 264,000 doll $615, and this is primarily driven by by just the the staffing costs at the at the sites.” He added the BOR is the biggest revenue generator and that auditorium and Alumni Hall rentals have been varied.
Officials pointed to several causes and steps the city has taken: The city lost cell‑tower revenue the past two years — “we were at $1.00 7 in 2020… '24 was the first year with 0 revenue on that front,” the manager said — and staffing and utility costs continue to push expenses above rents. The city installed turf late in the previous year and staff said earlier availability and new fee options (including a lower birthday‑party rate) aim to improve rentals and community use.
Councilors discussed the facilities’ role for youth and emergency sheltering. The manager noted the auditorium serves as the city’s emergency shelter and said some facility improvements (HVAC and restroom upgrades) would increase rental demand: “the 2 biggest complaints… HVAC and condition of the restrooms,” he said.
There was no formal council action on the Civic Center report. Councilors and staff signaled interest in pursuing programming partnerships, lowering barriers for local groups and exploring targeted investments to improve rentalability and reduce net operating losses.
