The YMCA of Washington County is raising funds for a new facility in the City of Washington and have nearly $6 million raised. The total project cost is $10.8 million. Becky Harkema, director of the YMCA, explained at Tuesday’s board of supervisors meeting that they are seeking a $1.5 million grant from Vision Iowa. The staff at Vision Iowa instructed Harkema to seek more financial inputs from the county and area cities to close the funding gap. She asked the county for a total gift of $50,000, $10,000 each year for five years.

Supervisor Richard Young said they’ll have to look at their budget and he doesn’t like how Vision Iowa pushes organizations to seek funding in such a manner. The supervisors tabled the item and welcome input from constituents. It will be on the agenda on March 8th, the next time Harkema meets with Vision Iowa is March 9th.