Purchase of REC Center Unlikely, Mayor Says

There are no plans for the United City of Yorkville to purchase the REC Center, following voters opposing the non-binding referendum on last week’s ballot referendum.

Mayor Gary Golinski said he does not think members of the city council would support a plan to purchase the site after 52 percent of the voters rejected the notion of the city purchasing the REC Center for a price not to exceed $2.5 million.

Golinski said he believes the voters’ choice was not just about the REC Center, but was a referendum on city-supported recreation. With the rejection of the referendum, Golinski said it’s likely the city will have to reduce the winter recreation programs it offers.

The winter catalogue was set to go to the printers prior to the election, but that has been delayed until city officials can formulate a plan on what can be offered, said City Administrator Bart Olson,

“When it comes out there will be a big drop in the programs… That’s where we are now,” Golinski said.  

During Tuesday’s council meeting Golinski said he met with recreation staff earlier in the day to “talk about an exit strategy.” Staff will move back to their former office space in the post office, he said. He said he also plans on talking with the Walker family, who owns the Rec Center building, about the coming transition.

The REC Center houses the Recreation Department administrative staff, fitness equipment and programs, a pool and several recreation classes, although some recreation programs are offered at city parks and at local schools.

According to unofficial voter results, 52 percent of voters in the 19 precincts in Yorkville rejected the question. Election results show 3,704 voters opposed the idea, while 3,408 voters, or 47.9 percent supported the plan.

The REC Center currently has 1,400 members. Over 3,000 people use the facility every month, according to city documents.

The REC Center's budget, which has remained separate from the Parks and Recreation Department's surplus budget, has run an annual deficit since the city began operating it in 2008. The annual deficit was about $77,000 in Fiscal Year 2009, about $50,200 in Fiscal Year 2010, and about $68,000 in the most recent fiscal year, Patch reported after the city voted to discontinue its lease with the Rec Center in July 2013.