Burnet, YMCA moving closer to recreation center agreement

JARED FIELDS • PICAYUNE STAFF

BURNET — A partnership between the Galloway-Hammond Recreation Center and YMCA of Greater Williamson County could be near.

Although no action was taken during the Burnet City Council’s regular meeting Feb. 12, City Manager David Vaughn said he hoped to have something in writing by the next meeting.

“All in all, I think we’re all moving in a positive direction,” Vaughn said.

Vaughn said the city and YMCA are working to finalize a memorandum of understanding, or a guideline for developing a long-term operating agreement.

The city is proceeding on plans for $120,000 worth of renovations to the weight room and lobby of Galloway-Hammond as well, Vaughn said.

In other agenda items, the council voted to suspend the Burnet Tourism Alliance. According to Crista Bromley, director of economic development, the alliance has received no funding in three years from the city’s hotel/motel tax fund. Hotel and motel tax funds largely go to the Burnet Chamber of Commerce and then are portioned to other events and organizations.

Council member Pat Riddell, who helped create the alliance in 1999, didn’t want the council’s vote of suspension to promote disbandment.

“It’s a vital, legal arm of the council to administrate the hotel/motel tax money,” Riddell said.

Bromley said with nearly no funds going to the alliance, the alliance’s board felt it should suspend actions until more money is available.

The council voted unanimously to suspend the alliance.

jared@thepicayune.com