The Center of Anna Maria Island is moving forward financially.
“We have positive net income,” treasurer Jim Froeschle informed board members during an April 4 meeting.
The center, which settled its financing for the building in March, may end its fiscal year June 30 on an even keel.
“I’m hoping to bring the loss down closer to break-even,” Froeschle said.
Currently, the center is facing a $110,000 year-to-date loss, despite recent fundraising successes.
Froeschle said the center commonly faces a loss in months without major events. The recent murder-mystery dinner theater and tour of homes and the upcoming gala all are large fundraisers for the center.
During the final months of the fiscal year, when revenues are slow, Froeschle said the center spending will be $21,000 less due to the building loan payoff. The recent payoff will help to close the financial gap, he said, but isn’t enough to put the center’s finances in the black.
Executive director Kristen Lessig said she hopes the center breaks even by June 30.
“I still think it’s achievable,” she said. “It’s at the forefront of my mind.”
According to Froeschle, the center should start seeing some revenue in June from its tourism program, still in its infancy. Under the program, vacation renters will pay a facilities fee at check-in for use of the center’s fitness center and tennis courts.
The facility fees are set by a select group of accommodation managers. The program started during the previous administration, but the fees were committed to future reservations for the accommodations, which will be realized starting in the fall.
Center representatives also are meeting with officials from the island cities to discuss the center’s progress and potential increases in funding from the cities, particularly in Bradenton Beach, where the organization hopes to offer satellite programs.
The budget process for the center’s new fiscal year, which will begin July 1, starts in May. Financial goals for 2016-17 include expanding the center’s revenue base, reducing dependence on private donations and creating more community partnerships to expand programs beyond 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
Lessig said the center is working with Manatee County to fulfill the terms of a $91,000 grant for serving at-risk children and applying for funds for the coming year. New endeavors include assessing how children progress and what they learn in programs, along with new software to identify and track the participation of at-risk youth.
In the current fiscal year, the center receives a portion of the grant funds for every day it provides services for an at-risk youth. According to Lessig, future grants may be reduced due to the lack of at-risk children on the island.
“Our demographics on this island do not meet the requirements for at-risk kids,” chair Bill Shuman said.
Froeschle said the center could lose that grant.
Lessig suggested possibly replacing it with several smaller grants, something Froeschle agreed could be done.
“We’ve learned a lot more about what’s out there,” he said.
The board will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, April 25, at the center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.