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By Diana McFarland

The Smithfield Times

WINDSOR

Not unlike The Smithfield Center, Windsor’s equivalent isn’t a money-making venture either.

The Windsor Town Center was showing a deficit as of Dec. 5, according to town records.

“We never anticipated that the facility would pay for itself. We see it as a service we are offering to our community,” said Town Manager Michael Stallings.

Ditto for The Smithfield Center, according to Smithfield Parks and Recreation Director Amy Musick.

As of Dec. 5, the Windsor Town Center had budgeted $84,187 for the center and had $98,165 in expenses, for a difference of about $13,978, according to town records.

The Windsor Town Center has netted $4,756 in rental fees from Nov. 3, 2018 to Dec. 7, 2019, according town records.

The Smithfield Center operates under a similar strategy.

The Smithfield Center took in $195,757 for fiscal 2019, but its expenses were $340,614  — a difference of $144,857, according to Smithfield Treasurer Ellen Minga, adding that the town subsidizes the difference.

Stallings said the Town Center has its own fund and any costs that exceed revenues will come from that fund. Major contributors have included Obici Healthcare Foundation, the Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors, the Windsor Woman’s Club, Farmers Bank, Mike Luter with Arrowhead Environmental Services, Dr. Harold Demsko and the Commonwealth Gin.

At some point, however, the town’s general fund will have to put money into the Town Center fund, said Stallings.

The Windsor Town Center opened in November 2018, and was fashioned from the former Windsor Middle School gym. Originally slated for demolition, town officials thought it would be a good community meeting place, centrally located in Isle of Wight County.

Now fully renovated, the 14,000 square foot Town Center boosts a large gymnasium, a catering kitchen, meeting rooms, a reception area and office, art room, four handicap accessible bathrooms, including a family restroom, a display area, lounge and Wifi.

Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation provides programming and staff.

The Smithfield Center opened in 2000 and has 8,000 square feet and is a popular venue for events ranging from wedding receptions to government meetings.

 

DIANA MCFARLAND is editor of The Smithfield Times. Contact her news@smithfieldtimes.com.