An Editorial...Stop the Civic Center Giveaway

Everyone wants to use the Grove Civic Center and pay nothing for it, judging from the parade of people petitioning the City Council each month. Last year's rental income was $14,500 and expenses were more than $100,000. This year will be worse. Users get free rent and the taxpayers get the garden hose.

The Grove Industrial Development Authority needs to get a handle on a user study of the Grove Civic Center building. How much rent to charge, which groups get free rent and which don't, etc. Many of the trade shows using the facility charge admission fees or registration fees to make a profit, and then ask for free rent for the facility. This adds to their profit at the expense of the city.

The Civic Center costs money to heat, cool, clean, manage, and keep up. If the city wants it to be a charity case, then declare it so and charge no one rent. Otherwise, come up with a plan. It seems to us that if the event charges admission and generates income, it should pay rental; non-profits that use the center and don't charge admission should get free rental.

At this week's Council Meeting Travis Taylor appeared for the Northeast Oklahoma Kennel Club seeking three free days rent, or $3,000, and stated that some 1100 dogs would be in the show. He did not state the cost per dog for the registration fee. This show has traditionally paid rent to use the center in the past.

But Council is in a giving mood these days and so all you have to do is show up and ask for free rent and they will grant it. Hello Taxpayers, get ready for the soaking.