Few membership sales to blame for Aqua Jetty deficit

Fewer than expected membership sales have been blamed for the blowout in the operating deficit for the City of Rockingham’s Aqua Jetty.

A report to the community development committee revealed a $90,317.15 deficit for the first quarter — double the predicted deficit for the first three months of the 2012-13 financial year.

The amount caused committee member and Rockingham City councillor Deb Hamblin to raise concerns at Monday’s meeting about the size of the deficit.

Aqua Jetty centre manager Andy Bray said the financial position reflected the challenging month for the centre in September.

‘‘The centre’s programs and activities have grown slightly in the month and given us a better platform for growth in the next quarter leading up top Christmas,’’ he said in his report to the committee.

‘‘Centre management and city officers have also pushed forward a number of maintenance and repair matters, improving the centre’s presentation and operational efficiency.’’

Figures reveal the centre is 20 per cent below its target of 3000 members, with 2415 members recorded at the end of September.

There were 490 new members for September, which was attributed to a ‘no joining fee’ campaign.

Income for September was $365, 929, which was $50,431 less than budgeted.

The centre has also identified a list of maintenance priorities to be carried out at the Warnbro Sound Avenue centre following a meeting with city officers in August.

Maintenance works include replacing swimming pool equipment, replacing main automatic doors and a new air-conditioner.