By Nicole Walton
Marquette, MI – Marquette County officials have passed on purchasing the West Branch Fitness and Community Center--known as the "W"--from the township.
Offered in a 15-year land contract, the building would have cost the county $18,000 a year, equal to payments the township now makes on a roof replacement loan.
The W, which features an Olympic-size pool, gyms, and an indoor walking track, has struggled to stay open because of unreliable funding. Non-profit group Community Hand-Up has been promoting the W's sale or lease to the county, saying it's developed a five-year plan to reopen the center in stages.
Four county commissioners voted for the land contract deal, saying the W is a valuable resource, especially for children. But five commissioners voted against the purchase, saying the facility simply isn't sustainable.
An auction is scheduled for May 21. Community Hand-Up officials say they may try to buy the building themselves at that time.