What types of operating costs does the rate increase cover?
The main operating expense covered by the membership fee is staffing expenses. Hiring and retaining quality staff in today’s competitive job market is increasingly expensive. In addition, the very nature of YMCA facilities, programs and services is staff-intensive, from the Welcome Center attendants when members walk through the door, to lifeguards in the aquatic center, to facility maintenance staff and beyond. The quality of each YMCA experience is dependent on many different staff members. In addition, the YMCA is not unaffected by increases in gas and electricity costs. Increased energy expenses impact our operating budget. But as responsible stewards, in all cases, we monitor expenses closely.
