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Gates Mills Community House rent rolled back
(by Sali McSherry - February 17, 2010)
Gates Mills Community House rent rolled back
By SALI McSHERRY
The fee to rent the Gates Mills Community House was reduced after a plea from Councilwoman Mary Reynolds, who had objected to the increase that was approved last month.
Council unanimously agreed to change the $250 fee it approved in January to $150 along with a $200 refundable deposit. Councilman William Barnes was not in attendance.
For the past 30-plus years, the fee to rent the space was $100.
Last year, Mrs. Reynolds said, the community house was rented 15 times by six nonprofit organizations and nine residents. The revenue was $1,500 for the entire year, she said. Village organizations like the community club, art show, Gates Mills Players, village bridge club, Strawhat Theatre and garden club use the facility at no cost.
Last year's budget for operating the community house was about $30,000.
The revenue generated by rentals does not make a dent in what the village spends to operate the building, Mrs. Reynolds said. Even doubling the rental amount would not make much of an impact, but it could create ill will among residents who should be able to rent it at a reasonable cost, she said.
Local taxes pay for the operations at the community house, she said. Some people might find it a stretch to pay $250, especially nonprofits that are trying to raise money, she said.
There are not many amenities the village can offer residents in comparison to other communities, Mrs. Reynolds said. For instance, there is not a public pool, a community recreation and education program or senior center.
Council President Karen Schneider agreed with Mrs. Reynolds' reasoning. There's a "people-friendly impact" involved in the decision on how much to raise the rental fee, she said.
This year, the village is budgeting $54,000 to operate the building. About $24,000 of that total is slated to rebuild the main room's floor.
The village finance committee made the recommendation to increase the fee for the building, which was built over 30 years ago. The fee is be applied to cleaning, utilities and wear and tear on the building, according to the committee. The previous $100 fee did not cover all expenses, members said. The community house has two floors, a stage, a full-service, equipped kitchen including plates and utensils, tables and chairs, and bathrooms.
Burton Court, located in the building between the Gates Mills branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library and Sara's Place restaurant is available to residents, village organizations, the library and Mills Building tenants, and the fee is $100 plus a refundable $200 deposit. The space can accommodate up to 55 people.
Since there are no water, sewer or kitchen facilities, only pre-packaged or easily disposable foods and beverages may be served at Burton Court. If food preparation or alcoholic beverages are being served, arrangements must be made with the restaurant.
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