An improvement
While the Pictou County Wellness Centre still faced a deficit in the past year, it was less than in earlier years
The Pictou County Wellness Centre may still have a significant operating deficit, but much has been accomplished in the last year to reduce costs according to financial information provided this week.
The board of the Pictou County Wellness Centre met with their auditors on Monday to review the draft operating results for the year ended March 31, 2017. The auditors advised the board that work is continuing to finalize the 2017 financial statements and provided an overview of the draft operating results for the year. The draft highlights that operating results for the year show an improvement of $130,000 from the prior year, with the operating deficit being reduced by 15 per cent. The annual operating expense of the facility has now been reduced to $741,683, down from $870,095.
Board Chair Mayor Shannon MacInnis stated that the deficit reduction resulted from efforts to improve revenues and reduce operating costs.
“While the $130,000 reduction in our operating deficit is certainly good news, our board, management and other advisers will continue to work to find more opportunities and initiatives to bring the deficit down even further and improve the services to all our clients in an efficient and effective manner,” MacInnis said.
“We know that all similar facilities require financial support to operate, but we do want to be sure our operations are as efficient as possible. I am extremely proud of the work our board has done thus far, it is easy to accomplish your goals when all members share the same focus and are committed to resolving issues together.”
MacInnis indicated that the central focus of the board meeting was to identify opportunities, which will further improve important elements of the facility’s performance. This work and supporting initiatives are designed to ensure that this key piece of “strategic regional infrastructure” effectively delivers against its Pictou County mandate at the lowest possible cost to participating municipal units and all Pictou County citizens.
The Wellness Centre Board has recently established an advisory committee – the facility management review team – to assist in identifying and implementing improved revenue and operating efficiency opportunities. The committee is comprised of community volunteers who bring unique business or organizational experience and skills to assist in the committee’s work.
The municipalities of Trenton, Pictou, Stellarton, New Glasgow and the County of Pictou are the supporting members of the Pictou County Wellness Centre Authority and its board of directors.
Their support includes contributions toward the annual operating budget shortfall for the centre.
The final audited financial statements will be presented to the centre’s annual meeting later in the year.