Utility costs hurry hard on curling club budget

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

Strathmore District Curling Club presented Strathmore town council with a request for a new lease renewal and a 50-50 cost share plan on the club’s electrical payments.
The presentation package included benefits to the community by the curling club, reasons to continue the lease and some new proposal changes.
“It was submitted with a number of key conditions that we thought were important for administration and council to consider,” said Stu Shaw, financial manager for the club.
The town owns the building and the curling club leases it from them. The group wants to increase the current one-year lease to five years to accommodate long-term planning goals.
“The Strathmore Curling Club and the town have had a long, positive and successful relationship and provide a first-class curling and social facility to the community and surrounding community,” said Shaw.
They also requested a 50-50 share of electrical costs. They currently pay all the electrical costs for the building.
The club has tried many means to forgo asking for help from the town. For instance, they have raised adult membership fees twice, and doubled sponsorships and advertisement rates. They have held fees low for juniors, seniors and schools to support those community groups. They have decreased the thickness of the ice to help with power consumption, held contractor wages flat, utilized volunteer help and deferred all but critical improvements. Volunteer help is valued at about $120,000 per year. They had submitted applications for three grants but were unsuccessful in gaining any money.
Club members also work at casinos to raise funds. Shaw said casino funds raised have a delayed release time. It can range from 1.5 to three years after fundraising occurs. The delay is putting the curling club’s budget about $30,000 in deficit until they receive the funds.
The electrical costs for the building run around $24,000. Shaw said if the town could assist with the electrical, it would help significantly. They felt it would be the most economical administrative means to cutting costs.
“In summary, the comparison to the volunteer value provided for the facility and the value of what we are asking in request to our total annual expenses, we feel the cost of sharing the electrical is not an unreasonable request,” said Shaw.
Councillor Denise Peterson noted other community investment grants have been covering utility costs for many organizations. She said there is a forecast that utility rates will raise considerably in the next couple years.
“Absorbing this at a 50-50 split would be a good way to support a local sports group when we are already doing so for hockey,” said Councillor Pat Fule.
It was noted by staff that the town has been looking at installing LED lighting in other town facilities and the curling club said they would appreciate the town including the curling facility in that initiative. There might also be a consideration to upgrade the ice plant to save energy.
“A club like this is an integral part of the community and running of the town … making a good atmosphere for the community,” said Councillor Steve Gracyzk, adding he had some concerns other groups might come back and ask for funding for their utilities. He also asked that a legal review be done on the lease agreement.
Councillor Peterson said the group has done due diligence and their past management success should be considered in any decisions.
Mayor Michael Ell asked for past financial records, so council could review cost estimates for their budget.
Councillor Fule said he recognizes the value of the club managing the facility, and that their good effort removes that burden from the town staff. He noted the town pays all the electrical at the family centre. Fule felt considerations should be given the value of their volunteer efforts: providing sport opportunities for residents and bringing people into the town for sporting events.
The Strathmore District Curling Club announced in council on June 16 they have a letter of understanding from the Alberta Curling Federation, indicating the Strathmore Curling Club could host the 2018 provincial mixed curling championships, the 2019 provincial masters curling championships and the 2020 under 18 provincial juniors’ curling championships.
The lease and cost sharing will be brought back to council for decision after a legal review of the contract.