Finance Committee weighs options as YMCA reports mounting losses at Moore Center

Members of the Finance Committee discussed the future of the Moore Center on Friday, focusing on mounting operating losses reported by the YMCA and options for how the city might manage the facility going forward.

Committee members said the YMCA has been carrying growing inflation and maintenance costs at the Moore Center while the city continues to pay bond debt service and capital repairs. City staff reported the municipality still pays approximately $26,000 per month in bond debt service for the building and recently covered about $160,000 in roof repairs. Committee members said the YMCA is showing roughly a $250,000 net loss for operations tied to that facility.

Committee members described three avenues that staff will prepare for the council: modify the YMCA lease so the organization bears a larger share of cost overruns; shift the city to an operator/owner role and charge the YMCA rent by square foot similar to other nonprofit tenants such as Friends in Action; or pursue other highest‑and‑best‑use options, including potential sale or repurposing for city services. Staff said they will assemble options that include estimated maintenance costs, potential additional staff needed to operate the building, and the fiscal impact of charging rent by square foot.

The committee discussed how parts of the Moore Center were designed for classroom and daycare use and that the school system could potentially locate pre‑K classrooms in the facility if the YMCA reduced services there. A staff member noted the building already includes a secure area for children, a cafeteria and a large kitchen, and a playground that could support school use.

Members emphasized that the Moore Center also houses other community programming — including senior services — and that any change of operator would need to consider that programming. The committee suggested on‑site tours for council members and planned additional meetings with YMCA representatives and nonprofit tenants later in July; staff said the item will be placed on the council workshop agenda for Aug. 4 for initial feedback.

No formal motions or votes were recorded at the meeting; the committee directed staff to prepare the options package for the August workshop and to coordinate follow‑up meetings with the YMCA and tenant organizations.

The committee also placed the Moore Center discussion in a broader review of city assets and maintenance needs, noting multiple municipal properties require renewed capital planning and coordinated parks and recreation oversight.