Habersham County is exploring whether the current youth gymnastics program could be more efficiently provided by an outside entity.
HABERSHAM CO. NEWS RELEASE:
“The exploration of privatizing the program is aimed at reducing the financial burden on taxpayers while ensuring the continued availability and quality of this beloved community service.
“At this time, we are issuing a request for proposals to help the Board of Commissioners and administration determine whether this is the best option for Habersham County and its residents,” said County Manager Alicia Vaughn. “Our Board of Commissioners heard concerns from those whose children’s lives are positively impacted by the program, but also from taxpayers who are concerned that taxpayers are largely subsidizing the program.”
The study of whether to transition the program from public to private management comes after a review and analysis of current funding, community needs, and long-term sustainability.
By privatizing the youth gymnastics program, Habersham County aims to achieve the following objectives:
1. Minimize taxpayer impact: With privatization, the financial responsibility for the program would shift from taxpayers to the private sector. This change would alleviate the tax burden on local residents while still maintaining a high-quality gymnastics program for youth.
2. Ensure program continuity: The privatization agreement would include strict performance standards and oversight measures to ensure that the
quality and accessibility of the gymnastics program remain consistent. The private operator will be selected through a request for proposals process to guarantee the best service for our community.
3. Enhance service quality: The private operator potentially could bring specialized expertise and resources to the program, potentially introducing new training techniques, equipment, and facilities upgrades that may have been challenging under public funding constraints.
4. Expand opportunities: By partnering with a private entity, the program could explore new growth opportunities, such as additional classes, advanced training programs, and expanded community outreach initiatives, ensuring that more youth can benefit from participation in gymnastics.”