PALMYRA — The town’s fledgling community center is probably financially self-sufficient enough for the town offices to move in, but that won’t be happening before this winter as some had earlier hoped.

At a special town meeting last December, residents voted to move the Town Office from its current portable classroom into the new town-owned community center, which was formerly Palmyra Consolidated School. Residents decided the building first must be “at least 70 percent financially self-sustainable” before the town moves in.

Selectman Mike Cray said the community center is likely meeting that threshold now with two tenants and a host of other events.

“We’re keeping the building full just about every weekend,” Cray said. “We’re still contemplating moving the Town Office up there, but we got to see how everything comes together and make sure it’s going to work. I’d say we’re over 75 percent, as far as the operational costs.”

Cray was among those who earlier had thought the Town Office move could happen before this winter, but he now thinks the matter should go back to town meeting voters before a move happens.

The community center’s first tenant, Weeville Daycare and Preschool, remains in one of the building’s wings and recently renewed a one-year contract to stay there, according to day care center owner Sandy St. Pierre. She said the business cares for about 25 children but is licensed to handle up to 49, so “there’s lots of room to grow here.”

“We’re doing terrific,” St. Pierre said. “We have two additional rooms since we moved in, and we moved around some furniture. It’s a great space and we couldn’t be happier.”

St. Pierre thinks the community center is living up to its intent by becoming a hub for Palmyra, while also attracting more people to come to town and spend money there.

“It’s becoming a community thing. Everybody’s helping everybody,” she said.

The building’s newest tenant, Weight Watchers of Maine, holds sessions two nights per week and is attracting about 40 people there, according to Cray.

A group of volunteers, Palmyra Community Center Boosters, also are helping manage the building and schedule events, according to Don Hill, owner of ADA Fence Co. in Palmyra and chairman of the boosters group.

Hill thinks it’s a good idea for the town to move into the community center eventually because it could help save money in the long run.

The town already has decided to close the old town hall building down for the winter to avoid additional heating costs.

Hill said having the day care business and Weight Watchers as tenants is providing the needed income to maintain the community center, as are many weekend events. A sportsman’s show in the spring was successful, according to Cray, as have been birthday parties and even weddings at the building.

“I think we’re going to have enough income to pay the expenses. It’s about $18,000 a year for the lights and heat,” Hill said.

Cray said the town hopes to keep its building costs minimal.

“We want it cheap and affordable to use,” Cray said.

Scott Monroe — 861-9239

smonroe@centralmaine.com

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