Ste. Genevieve County sues Community Center Foundation over funding, communication issues
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. (KBSI) — Ste. Genevieve County has filed a lawsuit against the Community Center Foundation, citing a dispute over funding access and a breakdown in communication.
County officials say the issue centers around a long-standing agreement tied to a fund created to support and maintain the community center. The fund, established decades ago, was intended to serve as a financial safety net for major repairs or budget shortfalls.
According to the county, leaders recently requested funding to cover a $210,000 loan used to address a budget gap, along with additional money for facility repairs — including a gym floor replacement that has drawn complaints for years.
Presiding Commissioner Randy Ruzicka said the county has been trying to access those funds since late last year.
“All we’re asking for is the money we requested — which is what that fund was set up for — and this is the only way it appears we’re going to get a response,” Ruzicka said.
Ruzicka said the foundation initially delayed responding before requesting legal representation. He said communication between attorneys has since stalled.
“There was somewhat of a dialogue, but their attorney was unresponsive — it just wasn’t moving,” he said.
County officials say the lawsuit is an effort to recover the requested funds and address ongoing maintenance needs at the facility.
Ruzicka said legal action was not the county’s preferred option but became necessary after months without progress.
“Litigation is not something I want to do,” he said.
In a statement sent Monday, May 4, the Community Center Foundation of Ste. Genevieve County said it remains committed to honoring the intent and “to preserve the integrity” of the original $3 million endowment created to support the community center and benefit county residents.
The foundation said safeguards were originally put in place requiring both the foundation and the Community Center Board of Trustees to be involved in grant funding decisions. The statement also noted that within the past year, the county dissolved the Community Center Board of Trustees and entered into agreements with the YMCA to manage operations without the foundation’s approval.
The foundation said its priority is to preserve the integrity of the endowment while identifying a path forward that aligns with its governing documents, existing agreements and the interests of the community.
