The latest project in the City of Tomball’s effort to bring community activities to its citizens proved to be a significant monetary loss.

According to a report issued to the city council by Finance Directory Glenn Windsor at a Feb. 15 meeting, the City of Tomball took a $29,337.76 hit on the city skating rink, which was open this fall and winter.

Expected revenues fell far short of projections. Among the money brought in from skate fees, private parties, concessions and sponsorships, the city earned in $46,702.55.

Meanwhile, the total expenditures by the city for the rink were $88,040.31, resulting in a $41,337.76 initial loss. However, $12,000 was dedicated to the project from the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax, resulting in the final total loss of just under $30,000.

Interim City Manager Christal Kliewer, who was not with the city at the time the council adopted the project in March 2009, explained that initial attendance projections were estimated on similar skating rink numbers in surrounding communities.

Kliewer cited the “less than beautiful weather” the Houston area experienced this season as one of the reasons for the poor attendance. Windsor’s report listed the total attendance for the six weeks the rink was open at 2,455.

The rink was closed for four days due to inclement weather and freezing temperatures, as well as on Christmas and Thanksgiving.

“It’s just one of those things where you try and you try hard and it didn’t just work out the way you thought it was,” Kliewer said. “You learn for next time if you choose to do it again.”

The city paid $60,500 for the cost of the rink and the facility, which was the original estimated cost. However, several expenses were not expected, Kliewer said, including those for portable toilets ($696.60) and credit card processing fees ($968.67).

Several costs that were originally budgeted, such as decorations, insurance and security, were not spent. Kliewer said the city used decorations they had on hand and the insurance was included in the cost of the facility. In addition, the city also utilized security cameras provided by the city’s police department.

According to Windsor, the $30,000 will come out of the city’s hotel/motel fund, money that can only be used to fund projects that draw tourism to the city. Kliewer said that despite the monetary hit, the fund is “healthy.”

“Funds there are quite secure, we have plenty to cover that,” she said.

Comments (2)

Subscribe to this comment's feed