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Could Grady have a YMCA-run recreation program?

Grady County commissioners agreed to delay advertising for a new recreation department director in order to explore the possibility of the YMCA managing and operating the county’s recreation program.
Vice Chairman Charles Renaud requested the board take the time to study the possibility before making a decision to advertise for applicants to fill the vacant position.
The board voted unanimously to terminate former director Phil Gregory. On Tuesday, County Administrator Rusty Moye presented the board a job description and proposed advertisement. The administrator also suggested the board consider relaxing the requirements that currently call for the recreation director to be a graduate from an accredited college or university with a degree in recreation administration.
Under Moye’s proposal “extensive experience” as a recreational programs supervisor could substitute for a post high school education.
Renaud agreed that would not be an issue with him, but he did express his desire for the county to explore all options.
“The possibility of a YMCA satellite coming to Grady County is just one option. Advertising to fill the vacancy is another. The YMCA route may not be the way to go, but we have the opportunity to look at it and I think we should,” the vice chairman said.
Commissioner Bobby Burns said he saw no reason not to begin the advertising process while at the same time reviewing the prospect of a YMCA managed program.
Chairman Al Ball disagreed and said it would be his preference to evaluate the YMCA option and then if it was decided that was not the way to go then the county could advertise the position.
County Administrator Rusty Moye said he would contact Thomas County YMCA officials to prepare a recommendation to the board, but he is not optimistic.
“They’ll run when they see our budget,” Moye predicted.
However, Moye also noted that YMCA’s everywhere are battling declining memberships and may be interested in a partnership here. He also pointed out that in Thomas County the city and county government subsidizes the YMCA programs in that community.
Following discussion of the matter the board agreed with the chairman and tabled action until the third Tuesday in November.

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