RUMFORD – Selectmen want to know more about how the funds granted to the Greater Rumford Community Center each year are spent.
The town raises more than $156,000 annually for the two programs offered by the GRCC.
“We’ve asked for operating expenses and financial information but sometimes it’s not in depth. We want an in-depth perception and we want a selectman on the board (of directors of the GRCC),” said Chairman Jim Thibodeau at Thursday night’s board meeting.
He said the information would help as selectmen develop the municipal budget for next year.
Selectman Jim Rinaldo said that if the GRCC’s bylaws don’t allow a selectman to sit as a member, then those bylaws should be changed.
At least one selectman, and perhaps more, plan to attend the GRCC’s next board meeting Sept. 21.
“It’s time we took a good look at that. We give such a substantial amount from the town and people still pay (for the programs),” said Selectman Greg Buccina, who said he and his family participate in some of the activities offered at the center.
With discussions about creating a new recreation center as the town looks at ways to revitalize itself, Buccina said the GRCC is in need of innovation.
“I don’t know if they’ve ever written a grant,” he said, adding that the GRCC, as the area’s recreational facility, has a huge impact on the children and adults in the area.
The GRCC operates a variety of athletic and other programs at its building on Congress Street and at a summer swim program at Black Mountain.
In other matters, the board granted a tentative liquor license to DiConzo’s Ristorante on Congress Street. The approval was granted contingent upon repair to the emergency lighting and ventilation control systems within 10 days.
Also on Thursday, the board tabled discussion on the position of parking monitor until the Sept. 15 meeting.
About a year ago, the board approved hiring an officer to monitor parking on Congress and the surrounding streets with the understanding that the position would be self-supporting. Since then, the position has become full-time and municipal benefits have been granted.
Comments are no longer available on this story