AEDC approves $100,000 performance agreement to support Cain Center operations

The Athens Economic Development Corporation voted April 21 to allocate $100,000 to the City of Athens to support operations and maintenance at the Cain Center.

City Manager Elizabeth Borstad told the board the performance agreement would provide $100,000 for operations and maintenance. Mayor Aaron Smith voiced support for the board’s continued backing of the facility, and Director Elvis Allen noted ongoing issues with pool equipment that the city and partners have been addressing. Michael Hannigan, who the record shows is serving as chairman of the YMCA board and is also listed on the agenda as public information officer, said the Cain Center is “running in the black,” that the YMCA purchased additional workout and weight‑training equipment and that “membership is up” with nearly 100,000 check‑ins last year.

The funding decision followed a public hearing with no public comments. Board President Brady Autry characterized funding the Cain Center through the Community Development Grant program as a “worthy use of funds.” Beverly Peek moved to approve the $100,000 performance agreement; Traci Wilkes seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

The agreement is intended to support the facility’s operating budget and maintenance needs; the board did not specify additional performance metrics in the meeting record. City staff said new pool equipment has been purchased and that YMCA staff and city employees received training on its operation. The board did not set a separate follow‑up date in the meeting minutes; staff will include the item in future reporting as needed.