STE. GENEVIEVE — Confronted with significant budget shortfalls, Ste. Genevieve County has entered into a five-year agreement with the Gateway Region YMCA to operate its community center, with full operational control transferring on Nov. 1.
Ste. Genevieve County faced a roughly $800,000 annual revenue loss after a 2023 state law removed local authority to collect sales taxes on energy and mining, once major sources of county funding. Officials described the shortfall as unexpected and severe, forcing substantial spending cuts and prompting discussion of legal action under the Hancock Amendment.
Although the commission reinstated local taxes on mining and energy operations to regain partial funding, county leaders say the gap has not been fully closed. The YMCA partnership was pursued as a long-term solution that leverages the organization’s nonprofit expertise and regional resources to operate the center more efficiently while keeping services available to the public.
The Gateway Region YMCA, which operates more than two dozen facilities in Missouri and Illinois, is known for offering community programs ranging from youth sports to senior fitness classes. County officials believe that access to these programs will enhance offerings at the Ste. Genevieve facility.
The YMCA began transferring management on July 8, retaining current employees to ensure a seamless transition. Under the contract signed July 7, the YMCA will assume most operating costs after November, while the county continues to cover bond payments and major building maintenance.
When the transition is complete, the facility will be renamed the “Ste. Genevieve County YMCA.” Current community center members will automatically become YMCA members, giving them access to all 24 regional locations, including the Jefferson County YMCA and the YMCA’s Trout Lodge and Camp Lakewood in Potosi.
The YMCA has taken over similar municipal facilities in Fenton and St. Louis, where it implemented cost savings while expanding program offerings. County officials say they expect similar results locally.
Commissioner Mark Marberry said the agreement is designed to strengthen the center’s financial footing while keeping it a vital resource for county residents.
