Recreation director asks AFC to fund program coordinator for new community center

Jen Kirkland, Westborough’s recreation director, presented the committee with a staffing proposal for programming the town’s new community center and asked the Advisory Finance Committee to support funding for a program coordinator.

Kirkland said the building will provide a gym, multipurpose rooms, a fitness space and a pool — enabling programming from roughly 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week — and that current staff cannot cover that schedule. She described likely duties including program planning, senior programming coordination with the senior center, rental management and pool oversight as the town begins operating a municipal pool for the first time.

Finance staff and committee members discussed funding options: the proposal would bring the coordinator on mid‑year with the first half of the position paid from the recreation revolving account (program fees), and the second half-year funded from the operating budget once the position is absorbed into the town’s regular staffing plan. Christy (finance staff) explained the revolving account historically processes about $300,000 in program revenue annually and typically nets near breakeven after expenses; the revolving account is expected to fund part‑time staff and program costs.

Committee members asked about incremental operating costs (maintenance, utilities and custodial coverage), the potential for hiring part‑time year‑round staff as an alternative, and the timing of the building opening. Kirkland said she expects programming and staffing could begin by July 1 if the building fit‑up proceeds as planned. The committee approved the recreation salary and wages recommendation by roll call (5–4 on record) and recorded the expectation that part‑time programming fees would cover many of the operational costs.