As requested, representatives of the Cook County Community YMCA (CCCY) came to the Cook County commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday, July 21 to give an update on YMCA finances. According to CCCY Executive Director Emily Marshall, at this time the Y is ahead of its budget goals by $15,869.
Marshall said that the CCCY memberships are on target. She said the YMCA continues to retain a membership of 1,570. And CCCY has expanded offerings, she said, opening a daycare and beginning a diabetes prevention program. She said, “It’s been a very busy year.”
Marshall was joined by Duluth YMCA CEO Chris Francis and local YMCA Board Chair Myron Bursheim. Francis noted that year-to-date CCCY revenue from memberships, program fees, sales of supplies and services, and contributions was $279,687, down from the anticipated $295,846 for a year-todate budget variance of $16,159.
However, Francis noted, expenses were also down. CCCY expenses tallied $398,170, down from the anticipated $424,992, a difference of $28,822.
The predicted shortfall, to be covered by the government subsidy from the City of Grand Marais and Cook County—$100,000 for each entity for a total of $200,000—was $134,354.
The actual year-to-date shortfall between the revenue and expenses totals $118,4853 and is covered by that $200,000 from the city and the county, creating the $15,869 “ahead of budget” figure.
Marshall added that there is $81,515 remaining for the rest of the year.
Commissioner Garry Gamble noted that some budgeted expenses had reached or were near the budget amount estimated for the year. He asked Marshall if she was comfortable that the remainder of the year wouldn’t push those items over budget. Marshall said no, noting that expenses like propane are higher at the beginning of the year.
Commissioner Frank Moe noted that the budget is ahead of last year and asked, “Does that mean the county’s liability will be less than last year?”
Marshall said no. “Even though we are ahead of last year, we believe we will still spend that $200,000. But we’re confident we won’t go over that,” she replied.
Commissioner Gamble asked what the line item of membership dues was for, noting that it was projected to be $5,224 and came in at $3,786. Francis said that line item is dues to the national YMCA organization. He said 2 percent of the CCCY budget is earmarked for YMCA dues.
Staff turnover concerns
Overall, the report was positive with maintenance issues being worked out, the successful daycare launch, and the steady membership numbers. However, staff turnover has been a problem.
Francis noted that part of the reason the CCCY was well within its anticipated budget was because staffing has been low. He said Marshall has done a great job, taking extra shifts herself when necessary. But he said that is not a sustainable model. Francis said the CCCY needs to look at recruiting and retaining staff.
It is hoped that the 2016 budget will allow for increased wages, hours, benefits and training for frontline workers to decrease staff turnover and to help the CCCY become an “employer of choice.”
Commissioner Moe said he agreed that Marshall had done a great job, but expressed concern that the discussion was leading to a larger contribution from the county. He stressed that there is an agreement that the city and county’s contribution would be no greater than $200,000.
Francis said that is not what CCCY is asking. He said the CCCY budget was set for the next 18 months. However, he reiterated that he would like to look at future budgets, as the current model is “on the back of one person.”
Commissioner Heidi Doo-Kirk agreed but said to Francis, “I’d ask that you also look at ways to help on your end.”
Commissioner Gamble said the county board is looking closely at its own staffing and funding. However, he added having the YMCA in the community is beneficial.
“A lot of our staff goes there to de-stress!” he quipped.
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