Financial figures at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex look rosy for 2011. Despite closures due to the pool shutdown to repair leaks in the summer, and an expected loss of up to $95,000, the CMRC was able to meet its targets budget-wise.
In a report to council, director of community services Geoff Paynton also noted that scheduled capital projects were completed in 2011 and the actual cost figures came in $160,000 less than the $448,000 budgeted.
By August the Joint Committee was advised there could be shortfalls due to expenses and revenue losses.
As a result, measures were taken immediately by staff to try and control costs.
"The measures mainly included reducing expenses in other area, and attempting to increase revenue through several targeted market campaigns," Paynton noted.
Projected losses in revenue came in lower because after the pool re-opened, users returned in large numbers, and increased revenue came from arena and rink-board usage, advertising sales for the Active Living Guide, and modest increases in the Gibraltar Room and special events.
"The end result of the increased revenue in other areas combined with cost savings resulted in a small operating surplus of $15,000," Paynton said.
Council applauded staff for its work in coming in under budget.
"It's a small surplus, but fantastic for a recreation facility in this economy," said coun. Ivan Bonnell.
Coun. Laurie Walters added it's not something seen very often.