Potential new tenants may help community center bottom line
CONNELLSVILLE — While the red ink of the general fund balance continues to be a concern to the Greater Connellsville Community Center Board, a few inquiries about available space and a possible partnership have members somewhat hopeful for a better future.
The board was advised on Tuesday that former tenant Adelphoi Village, based in Latrobe, is seeking to rent four rooms and that a local ministry is looking for available space to conduct church services.
“Things are looking better,” said John King, board member.
Current tenant, Little Buddies Daycare, is also planning to rent an additional room in June as its services expand.
Lori Kosisko, center administrative secretary, said that the Latrobe agency could net the center an additional $1,400 per month, with the daycare center monthly rental payment generating another $500.
The additional income could ease the current financial strain being placed on the board, she added.
“(The income) would make things much better,” she said.
As in the prior month, the April expenditures exceeded the revenue by more than $800. Some invoices for May remain unpaid or only partially paid due to a decline in tenants and subsequent rental fees.
Last month, the board reduced the hourly salaries of its three part-time employees and agreed to make partial payments for some utility bills.
The board also welcomed a partnership with Downtown Connellsville, the city’s “main street” program and the Fayette County Cultural Trust.
Daniel Cocks, a member of both organizations, said that the entities are willing to post information about available rooms at the center or any pertinent information to spur interest in the center.
Also, the trust would like to form a committee that would include representatives from the center board and community members to develop plans to better utilize the refurbished theater in the community center.
“It is a great asset and should not sit idle,” said Cocks. “(The trust) would be dedicated to the theater because of its investment.”
The board took no official action to establish a committee but agreed to consider the invitation to designate certain members to serve on a panel with the organizations.
Turning to other matters, the board also conducted the following business:
Welcomed new board member Kim Hawk.
Learned that maintenance supervisor Mark Livingston continues to dismantle antiquated radiators and the boiler heating system to sell for scrap metal. Connellsville City Council recently earmarked about $200,000 in state Community Development Block Grant funds to install a new heating system at the center.