Recreation center's high utilities and inconsistent fee practice alarm Bratenahl finance committee

The committee turned a sustained eye toward Community Life (recreation) and the large utility bills associated with the Village’s community center during the May 5 budget review.

Fiscal Officer Diana Cooks said the Village had spent about $51,000 on utilities year to date and that electricity and gas attributable to the recreation building account for the majority of that total. "This building goes unused for various reasons. And it is not a high producing revenue department. I would say it only covers about 15 or 20 percent of its costs," she said.

Members explored whether parts of the building could be shut down to reduce energy use, but facilities staff described boiler and system limitations. Committee members discussed past reliance on a recreation levy that expired and the possibility of placing a new levy before voters, noting voter fatigue and the timing of an operating levy. Councilmembers and residents suggested expanding fundraising events—examples cited included ticketed dinners and community fundraisers—to supplement general-fund support.

Cooks warned of an audit risk tied to inconsistent application of the Council-approved fee schedule for room rentals. She said auditors test fee schedules against receipts and that informal reduced fees or donations for residents can result in findings if not documented and approved by Council. "The auditors don't know that. They're going by what Council approved," she said, urging the committee to review and reestablish fee schedules and enforcement.

Committee members also discussed program-mix, separate metering for pottery kilns and whether more aggressive scheduling, rental enforcement or alternative program locations could reduce net cost to the general fund. No immediate decisions were made; the committee asked staff to compile the approved fee schedule and to consider options — including taking a levy to voters — for longer-term funding.