With the Veterans Memorial Building facing about a $75,000 annual operating deficit, Hollister officials have been in talks with local veterans groups about the potential for the organizations to take on operations and maintenance of the property.
Hollister’s Veterans Memorial Building has an annual budget that ranges from about $150,000 to $165,000 – with revenues in recent years at around $75,000 to $86,000, City Manager Clint Quilter told officials at a recent city council meeting.
The building is home to all major veterans events and local appointments with the veterans service representatives.
Additionally, it functions on weekends as a rented hall for many weddings, quinceañeras and other events. Hollister’s recreation division has handled bookings since a major renovation was finished in 2003.
In light of criticism about the building’s management and maintenance, along with the annual deficit absorbed by the city’s general fund, Quilter has been in discussions with county chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion about those organizations managing it.
The city manager received permission from council members at the most recent meeting to continue those talks. Quilter mentioned the prospect of handing over the building’s management and continuing to subsidize $75,000 toward its operations.
The Hollister Redevelopment Agency – eliminated by the state in the spring – funded a $4.4 million renovation to the historic building in downtown Hollister at Seventh and San Benito streets.
Ownership transferred from the county to the city in December 2000. The Veterans Memorial Building was constructed in 1927.
Look back for more and read the full story in Friday’s edition of the Free Lance.
