Rental revenue from the Lodge at Strawberry Acres and the Community Building dipped significantly in the past two years.
“If we were in the rental business, we’d be out of business,” said Mayor Lee Irons at the February 1 Holland Village Council meeting.
He presented council with charts of the monthly rentals covering the past 13 years.
In 2021, the lodge generated $22,565 in rental revenue, but expenses were $25,834 which included $7,545 in refunds.
Also during the pandemic, in 2020, rental revenue was only $19,480 while expenses were $50,162, including $26,305 in refunds. In comparison, in 2019,
In comparison, in 2019, the village took in $63,170 for rentals and expenses were just $49,682.
At the Community Building on Clarion Avenue, revenue was $11,100 with expenses of $15,544 during 2020, and revenue was $16,500 last year with expenses of $25,323.
Prior to the pandemic, rental revenue was $20,755 in 2019 and costs were $16,080.
Both buildings are open for rental this year and there are vacancies, the mayor said, encouraging area residents to use the facilities for parties, reunions, wedding celebrations, wakes and other events.
Other Business
In other business, council:
•Approved a one-year contract with P&R Communications of Oregon for police radio maintenance at a cost of $2,796, at the recommendation of Councilman Scott Brown.
Council also adopted the fourth chapter of a Lexipol policy manual for the police department.
“It’s ready for officers to begin to review the material and take the coursework,” Councilman Brown said.
•Learned from the mayor that the Lucas County engineer’s inspection of the bridge on Holloway Road received ratings of excellent and very good condition.
•Authorized the payment of $45,857 in bills.
Council’s next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 15, at the village hall, 1245 Clarion Avenue. The meeting is open to the public.
–Beth Church
