Funding rumour dispelled

Sharon McLeay

Times Contributor

 

Ag Society Board members hosted an open house for the community to discuss the status of the Society and ask for direction in various Society initiatives.

“We want the Ag Society to be more relevant in the community,” said Darcy Ledene, General Manager.

Members of the audience were concerned about the financial health of the Society, as there was a rumour that the Society was in financial trouble. The rumour was false and spread to establish interest in the Society’s activities and generate support.

“Are you telling us the truth about the state of your affairs?” asked Judi Wilson, questioning whether the Ag society is in trouble “Air these expenses and tell us where our dollar is going.”

Board member Grant Klaiber said a $160,000 operating grant, given by the government, would cover this year’s loss. He outlined the Society’s debt. Last year, an investment of $235,000 accomplished campground upgrades, hoping to generate year-round income. However, renters have decreased and utility costs increased, leaving concerns how to recoup the investment. The Society also owes $200,000 on land that is currently valued close to $14 million. One quarter section was going up for tender. Whether the sale proceeds cover the Society’s current costs and fund some future initiatives would be up to a membership vote and acceptance of the tender.

The Board members encouraged anyone questioning the funds to come to the annual meeting held Dec. 12, 2012 and look at the books. The Board had not specifically tracked why they were repeatedly losing money and an independent study pinpoints the leak in the revenue tub. Ledene indicated that it would be a matter of rolling up their sleeves and pouring over the books to determine the cause.

Society Director Jim Cammart stated that the Society was not in trouble, although every year for several years running the Society loses up to $100,000 on the Heritage Days event. Cammart noted that fair failure was widespread. Over 100 fairs previously attended in North America had shut down. The Board wanted to be forward thinking, to prevent the same demise. It would be reorganizing and forming a clearer mission from the community towards future direction. The Society focused on agriculture in the past, but has evolved into a recreational direction.

There were past proposals for a better facility development that would serve all interest groups in the area. Trying to please everyone ballooned the cost to an unrealistic $80 million dollars and the project was shelved. Ledene said that input from members, the community, the Town of Strathmore and the County of Wheatland were necessary to consider revisiting a large facility enhancement initiative. Their current focus is to upgrade the existing buildings. One will be getting insulation and better washroom facilities for year round use. However, the Board does not want to discourage ideas.

 “If anyone comes with a business plan that made sense, we would certainly entertain it,” said Director Cammaert. 

The Society has two members sitting on the recent Golf Course, Arts and Recreation expansion committee and there may be a possibility for the Ag Society membership to be part of a coordinated development effort.

While the Board did not commit to any of the ideas, they recorded them all. They welcomed suggestions and asked that other ideas be made on the Society website at www.strathmorerodeo.com/contact.html