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Elko Council approves $400,000-a-year agreement with Boys & Girls Club to run new recreation center
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Summary
The council approved an operational support agreement that commits $400,000 annually to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeastern Nevada to manage Elko’s new recreation center, effective January 2026; the first payment is prorated to $200,000 for Jan–June 2026.
The Elko City Council on Dec. 9 approved an agreement that will pay the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeastern Nevada $400,000 a year to manage and operate the city’s new recreation center, expected to open in January 2026.
The measure, presented as an operational support agreement, formalizes an annual donation the city previously agreed to in a 2023 letter of understanding for construction of the facility. Council discussion emphasized the center’s improved facilities and the transition of operations from the city to the nonprofit operator.
John Rice of Great Basin College, who spoke about student involvement in related projects, said the building is nearly complete and students are excited to participate in programming and interpretive work tied to public art and exhibits. City staff noted the agreement becomes effective January 2026 and that the payment for January–June 2026 will be prorated to $200,000.
Council members asked whether memberships would be required to use the pool and were told patrons will be able to buy day passes or annual memberships under the Boys & Girls Club’s management, similar to past practice under city operation. City staff said all facility staffing is hired and trained and the mechanical systems remain the remaining tasks before opening.
The motion to approve the agreement passed with four votes in favor and one abstention. The contract will take effect in January 2026 and staff will coordinate the transition with the Boys & Girls Club.
Funding details cited during the presentation indicate the $400,000 figure was derived from historical net costs of operating the city pool; the agreement formalizes that annual support to sustain operations under the nonprofit manager.
The council did not identify additional conditions or amendments to the payment schedule at the meeting; staff said follow-up implementation and operational details will be managed through the city’s administrative process.
