A Monticello branch of the Clinton YMCA is still very much a possibility and the execution of the research phase is well underway.

After a successful launch and continuation of the Y-Zone program in Monticello, the momentum has continued to build towards the Y opening a branch in Monticello and Executive Director Rennie Cluver says they are close to concluding their researching and even beginning to think about a fundraising campaign for a building project.

Cluver points out it would be great if they could find a donor willing to donate around $10-million for a new facility but they would still need to have figures ready for year-to-year expenses to revenue and reminds us the YMCA is a not-for-profit and they do not receive funds from any government entities.

Many may wonder why the Clinton YMCA is taking this on instead of letting the community of Monticello establish their own YMCA. According to Cluver, the national YMCA is not issuing new charters, so any openings have to branches of existing YMCA's. He notes since the Clinton Y is taking the lead on this project, they are making sure they have done their due-diligence. 

Cluver anticipates wrapping up his research in the next couple of months and then sitting down with his advisory committee about getting a campaign going for a facility. He says the campaign could start as early as late-spring.