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Ellsworth staff and YMCA discuss interim lease arrangements as YMCA seeks relief
Summary
Downings County Y said operating the Moore Center is unsustainable at a reported $146,000 annual loss; the city is exploring a transition to city-managed operations and a triple-net lease for service providers while the Y considers interim extensions.
The Ellsworth City Manager updated the council on lease negotiations for the Moore Center, saying the YMCA has operated the facility for about 11 years but is now running an unsustainable $146,000 annual deficit.
Matt Montgomery, CEO of the Downings County Y, told the council the Y is willing to continue operating under an extension while the city develops a plan. City staff said they are exploring a triple-net lease model that would assign operational costs to the building’s service providers (the YMCA, Friends in Action and the Music Institute) proportionate to their square footage and use.
The city is considering an interim lease, a phased transfer of maintenance and operations to the city, and possible cost-sharing with the school for programs such as childcare. Charlie said staff may call a special meeting as negotiations crystallize and indicated the city would analyze debt service and operating costs as part of that work.
No binding agreement was approved at the meeting; council directed staff to continue negotiations and consider interim arrangements to avoid service interruption.
