Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Center topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
KOMO asks for operating increase and $65,000 to bring teaching kitchen up to code
Summary
The KOMO community center sought a 7.5% operating increase citing rising insurance and wage costs and requested $65,000 toward a fire‑suppression hood and hood replacement so classes, preschool programming and revenue‑generating cooking offerings can continue safely.
Matthew Hen, chief executive officer of the KOMO community center, told the board the nonprofit is requesting a 7.5% municipal increase to help offset rising operating costs, insurance and wages and to retain key staff across its preschool, athletics and enrichment programs.
Hen also presented a SIP/CIP request for roughly $65,000 to install a compliant fire‑suppression hood and related upgrades in KOMO's kitchen. The center said the current exhaust arrangement lacks the suppression systems required for grease‑laden cooking and, as a result, some adult and youth cooking classes have been curtailed or forced to alter menus. Hen said the kitchen not only supports curricular programs (preschool nutrition education, after‑school cooking) but also generates program revenue through rental classes that help sustain KOMO.
Hen said KOMO has pursued grants and fundraising but that the estimated cost could approach $87,000 once detailed contractor bids are finalized. Board members asked whether the kitchen upgrade would generate a payback through class revenue; KOMO said the upgrade would enable current partnerships and new revenue opportunities, but also stressed public‑safety motivations for bringing the facility up to code.
No appropriation vote was taken; KOMO was advised to provide more detailed contractor estimates, grant prospects and operating projections for any town funding contribution.
