The city of Nixa is gathering public input on a potential partnership with the Ozarks Regional YMCA that would allow the organization to assume management of Nixa Parks Department recreational programs and the city's pool and Community Center.
The idea was prompted by a request for proposal for the second floor of the Community Center.
Under the YMCA proposal, the nonprofit would manage day-to-day operation of the struggling Parks Department's pool, recreational programs such as basketball and baseball, and the Community Center, and it would absorb the current staff, said Nixa Communications Director Jill Finney.
The city's Parks Department took a hit with the loss of SafeBase - a before- and after-school care program - last year and the Mercy Fitness Center in 2010. In late May, Parks Director Kelly Hasner resigned for undisclosed personal reasons, Finney said. In 2011, Parks expenses totaled $1.2 million, and the Nixa Parks Department generated only $431,000. Last year, the city subsidized the Parks budget to the tune of $445,000, and it is expected to subsidize $403,000 in 2012.
During a July 9 public hearing, Nixa Finance Director Donna Swatzell said if the partnership is approved, the city would pay the YMCA $222,000 during the first year, $133,000 during the second year and $79,000 during the third year. After the third year, total Parks expenses would hold at about $70,000 per year, and the city estimates it would save $1.5 million during the first five years of the arrangement.
The city also held a public meeting July 5, and Finney said Nixa City Council would continue to consider public input and could introduce a negotiation bill during its regularly scheduled July 16 meeting. Finney said public reaction to the idea has been mixed.
"Honestly, I would have to say it was split, which kind of surprised me a bit," Finney said. "There were people who feel that Nixa should continue to run its own parks. There are also citizens that who that Y is a good organization, and they would love to see Y in Nixa."
Under the plan, Finney said the city would retain ownership of the buildings and the pool and would continue to pay insurance costs and maintain major upkeep. The city also would continue to manage free services such as green spaces and playgrounds.
The city currently has daily admissions and summer passes for the pool, and memberships to the Community Center are $5 per year. Finney said YMCA membership rates would be instituted as part of the program, but she noted Ozarks Regional YMCA CEO Brad Toft has indicated a willingness to work with regular Parks users to maintain similar pricing structures.
Ozarks Regional YMCA has similar agreements in place with the cities of Monett, Lebanon and Hollister, among others.
Toft said the YMCA has a local and national history working with communities to provide services and programs to local residents.
He said if an agreement is reached with the city of Nixa, the organization would establish a board of managers comprising up to 15 community leaders who could direct program offerings that are specific to Nixa. With local control, Toft said he thinks the YMCA could be a good fit for Nixa, easing pressure on the tax base.
"The reason these relationships are successful is the Y can bring some strong operating expertise and eliminate much of the tax subsidies communities have. Ultimately, the residents benefit from those relationships," Toft said.
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