Supporters for the Recreation Department’s gymnastics program will speak to Habersham County Commissioners during Monday’s regular commission meeting. Three individuals have signed up to speak during the public comments portion of the commission meeting. They are expected to speak in support of the program.
During the budget public hearings in June, citizens spoke to the commissioners about privatizing some services that the county offers. One such service was privatizing the gymnastics program.
Privatization of services is not a new topic. Last year, during negotiations of the sale of the hospital, citizens scrutinized the cost of the county taking over the Total Fitness program. The county moved forward with taking over the program with Commissioner Dustin Mealor remaining skeptical, instructing staff to track revenues and expenses for the program.
The gymnastics program was scrutinized as well last year. So much so, the program was itemized so that county staff and commissioners could track the program’s revenues and expenses.
Last year’s budget for the gymnastics program expected expenditures to exceed revenues. The program’s budgeted expenditures were anticipated to be $435,811. Revenues were anticipated to be $214,100, resulting in revenues only covering 49% of the expenditures. The proposed 2025 budget has expenditures for the gymnastics program increasing by $60,489, an increase of 14%.
Other business
In other business, the commission will consider the purchase of a mobile veterinary clinic for the Animal Care and Control department. The vehicle is equipped with a surgical unit to allow for spay and neutering of pets. The original listing price of the vehicle was $105,000. However, the seller has agreed to sell the vehicle to the county for $75,000. The purchase of the vehicle will come out of the generous donation of $100,000 that was made recently.
The commission will consider moving forward with a land lease agreement with the property owner on Mize Road and indemnity agreement with the contractor that will be building a public safety radio tower on the property.
The Habersham County Commission will meet Monday, July 15 at 6 p.m. in the Jury Assembly Room in the Habersham County Courthouse at 295 Llewellyn Street in Clarkesville.
