The Center of Anna Maria Island said goodbye Feb. 8 to two employees, Wende Webb and Kathy Bogads.
The decision to dismiss them, made by the organization’s board of directors, was financially motivated, according to chairman Bill Shuman.
“It was a difficult decision,” Shuman said. “The board looked at what would be the maximum reduction in expenses with a minimum impact to programs. These two ladies fit most of that criteria.”
“Our team is pulling together to absorb their responsibilities and I am encouraged by the teamwork I see from the staff in pulling together in tough times,” executive director Kristen Lessig said Feb. 10 via email. “We were all extremely saddened by the loss of our team members, however we are confident that they both will excel in the next chapter of their lives.”
“They were a part of our Center family,” Shuman said. “It was difficult to let them go.”
The center has been struggling to overcome financial obstacles for more than a year. During a recent town hall meeting, treasurer Jim Froeschle said that while he feels the gap between expenses and incoming money is slowly closing, he expects the center to close out its 2015-16 fiscal year June 30 around $40,000 in the red.
The fiscal year loss does not include the accumulated loss, an estimated $1.6 million for the past six years.
The center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
— Kristin Swain