SAFFORD — During an update on operations to the Safford City Council on Monday, the Boys and Girls Club of the Gila Valley made a surprise announcement.
“As of today, we have signed a letter of intent that we will be merging with the Tucson Boys and Girls Club,” said James Bryce, board chairman for the Boys and Girls Club of the Gila Valley.
Bryce said the merger was precipitated by “a very, very rough year for the Boys and Girls Club” and the club suffered “a significant budget shortfall.”
City Manager John Cassella said, “That’s one of the reasons that we’re here tonight. Because I didn’t know some of these changes were going on until very recently, where we could have had more conversations as part of our budget process.”
Cassella added that closing the facility was not an option, because, “Obviously, the population served is critical.”
The city provides the building for the local club, as well as provides utility service and pays the rent on the land used as the club’s playground.
Denise Waters, CEO of the Tucson Boys and Girls Club, said the Gila Valley club has experienced a $14,000 increase in personnel costs in 2024, as well as a $21,000 increase in operating costs. That will be offset, she said, by an increase of $189,000 in revenue, despite a $40,000 drop in contributions and a $5,000 drop in program fees.
The main factor is the anticipation of a $200,800 grant from United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties; however, awarding of a grant that size — which exceeds United Way’s grant limit — has not been announced.
Waters also said the name will remain “Gila Valley” and Tucson will help the community build a new board of directors.
Cassella said talks with Boys and Girls Club leadership will continue, and Bryce said city leadership will be invited to future meetings.
