Piscataquis Y reports cost-cutting maneuvers

DOVER-FOXCROFT – The Piscataquis Regional YMCA ended 2004 in “good shape,” although it had to use funds from a major donor to supplement its budget, Dover-Foxcroft selectmen learned on Monday.

YMCA Director Jay Brennan said directors are reining in costs as much as possible and have eliminated the position of executive director.

“The board is looking at other ways to trim costs,” he said.

Brennan and Director Helen Taylor’s appearance on Monday was in response to the board’s request about a year ago for meetings and financial statements on a quarterly basis.

Town officials said they wanted to better understand the organization’s financial planning process and its long-term goals.

The town contributes $32,000 to the YMCA, which in turn operates all of the town’s recreational programs. The town still maintains the town-owned facilities, such as the basketball court.

Although YMCA officials have met with town officials, the financial statements have not been forthcoming, it was noted Monday. This surprised both Brennan and Taylor, who offered their apologies.

Even though membership has increased, the YMCA, like all nonprofit organizations, is hurting for donations at this time, according to Taylor.

She said the organization has lost some corporate support because of ownership changes at local industries. The YMCA is able to pay off only the interest on its debt, she said.

Brennan said the organization has been working “so nip and tuck” on an annual basis, a move the board hopes to change. One long-term solution discussed by YMCA officials is to ask the Farmers Home Administration for help, he noted.

Asked if YMCA officials had asked surrounding communities for financial support since residents from those communities use the facility, Brennan said that those discussions have not taken place in the past 12 months. The YMCA has not been as diligent as it should be in pursuing those conversations, he said.

Brennan said YMCA directors also need to identify 20 of its top donors and make personal visits to them.

Directors also are auditing the programs offered at the YMCA to determine which should be eliminated and which should continue to be supported.

“We need to look at all the programs to make sure they’re carrying their weight,” Brennan said.

Brennan said directors are energized and are willing to work hard to make changes.

“We’re moving ahead,” he said.