Tolleson Center says revenue nearly doubled; council presses for long‑term funding clarity

Dr. Brianna Allen, CEO of the Tolleson Center for Community Excellence, presented the center’s year‑end report and told the Elkhart Common Council on Feb. 2 that the organization’s revenue nearly doubled in the most recent fiscal year while city funding currently represents about 13% of operating revenue.

Allen said the center serves roughly 3,500 members annually and that grants, donations and partnerships made up about 84% of the operating budget; personnel costs accounted for roughly 40% of expenditures. She said the center opened its building in 2023, completed outdoor facilities on Nov. 16, and is planning an April opening for outdoor programming.

Council members asked detailed financial questions. Mr. Hickey sought clarity on the operating budget figures — citing $1.2 million versus $1.3 million in statements — and asked what tangible return taxpayers receive for the city’s annual $700,000 contribution under a 10‑year commitment. Allen said the Tolleson board is developing additional funding strategies and that the center is still stabilizing operations after facility completion.

Several council members praised the Tolleson Center’s impact on youth and seniors and encouraged broader community and philanthropic support. Councilman Mishler recalled the council’s bipartisan vote to support the center and called the facility an important anchor for neighborhood planning. Councilman Fish promoted a Tolleson fundraising soiree and urged residents to attend and support the center.

Allen outlined programming the center funds through city and grant support, including after‑school programs, summer camps, senior activities, and free membership for community access. She said personnel and facility costs ensure safety and consistent programming quality.

Council members asked for comparative staffing and expense data from earlier years to better understand the growth in operating costs; Hickey specifically requested employee counts then versus now and a clearer accounting of the $700,000 city contribution’s timeline. Allen and council members agreed to follow up with more detailed budget information if requested.

The presentation concluded with the council thanking Allen and encouraging public and private support for Tolleson’s upcoming events and ongoing operations.