Residents press board for clearer YMCA financing, public presentations and data

Several residents who spoke during the public-comment period said they support a YMCA in Surry County but urged the board to disclose funding details, post presentations and minutes, and provide survey results before approving county commitments.

Susan Corvella (Claremont District) told the board she reviewed the agreement and could not find payment options beyond a county contribution: "This is a $20,000,000 project with long term consequences," she said, and asked, "Who is paying for it?" Corvella asked that full presentation materials and survey counts be posted online so residents can meaningfully evaluate the proposal.

Diane Cheeks said she was generally supportive of a YMCA but was concerned the agreement left costs listed as "TBD," calling it a potential "blank check" for the county. Helen Eggleston raised related questions about county borrowing, audit timing and where increased revenue would be justified in public records.

Board members and staff replied that a master development plan will identify the site's scope and costs, that the YMCA will execute initial contracts such as with Grow Development, and that future contracts, appropriations and a lease agreement will return to the board for review and a public hearing. Staff and the YMCA team were asked to make presentations and financial materials more accessible to the public.