Indianola YMCA holds public meeting amid financial questions

The Indianola YMCA is holding a public meeting with members and Indianola area residents this week. 

It's a chance to meet YMCA of Greater Des Moines CEO Leisha Barcus and learn more about the Y's recent requests for financial support. 

Last month, YMCA officials approached the city of Indianola, Indianola school district and Simpson College to ask for a combined $261,371 to support the Indianola facility. 

The requests have sparked concerns from some residents that the Indianola YMCA could be in trouble financially, or even be in danger of closing. 

Indianola YMCA board member Karey Bishop said this week's meeting is a chance to ask questions.

“Our membership is very strong, and the programs are doing well,” Bishop said. “But, unfortunately, it comes down to the agreements that were put in place when the Y was first built by the city. They just aren’t sustainable.”

The Indianola YMCA was built in 2012 after Indianola voters approved a $12.5 million bond to finance construction of the wellness center. The city, school district and Simpson College each kicked in an additional $750,000 up front in exchange for access to the facility.

The Indianola High School and Simpson College swim teams practice and host meets at the Y's pool, but neither group pays for use of the facility.

The YMCA wants that to change. It asked for $62,496 from the school district and $47,875 from Simpson in July after looking at the amount of time the swim teams use the pool. 

Both requests were denied. 

Indianola city leaders in July verbally approved a one-time payment of $126,000 to help the YMCA with maintenance, and directed staff to look at the city's long-term agreement with the Y.

This week's meeting is not directly tied to the Y's finances, but it's likely to be a topic of conversation. 

“It’s an open house kind of thing,” Indianola YMCA board member Alan Macgruder said. “There’s no written agenda that I’m aware of. We are just introducing Leisha to the community.”

Barcus joined the YMCA of Greater Des Moines last year. 

The meeting is scheduled for 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Indianola YMCA, 306 E. Scenic Valley Ave., Indianola. For additional information, call 515-777-7746.

Teresa Kay Albertson is Weeklies Editor for the Register. Reach her at talbertson@registermedia.com or 515-284-8561.

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