If Youth Boosters want returnable bottle funds, town wants to see a money trail

By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

HARRISON — For over 40 years, the Harrison Youth Boosters has filled unmet needs of the community.

Boosters buy rec equipment, sponsor kids’ parties, purchase ski passes and kick in money for the Christmas for Kids program.

“We help any program we can,” said Averill Davis, who has been a Booster for 43 years.

One major source of income for the private entity is returnable bottles and cans collected at the Harrison Transfer Station.

“Without the bottles, we would probably not be an organization,” said Booster Bri Worcester. “It would be sad because we’re about to be 44.”

Two years ago, then Town Manager Tim Pellerin received an anonymous letter from a resident simply asking how Boosters were spending the returnable money? There was no issue with funds being spent on events, groups and programs, but simply, “Where is the money going?”

Pellerin posed the question to Boosters via letters. There was no response, according to current Town Manager Cass Newell, and for the past two years, money generated by returnables has been placed in an account, which continues to grow.

At the recent Select Board meeting, the issue was discussed and Booster members were in attendance to answer questions. Newell initially noted the amount of money in the returnable bottle account is “significant.” When asked by The News for the exact figure, Newell reported as of May 22 the total was $10,577.85.

Because the bottles and cans are collected at the Transfer Station and town employees there do take part in the sorting process, the town has a vested interest. And, the town auditor recommended that municipal officials seek a money trail from Boosters as to where dollars are spent.

The issue has generated plenty of conversation, especially on social media, which some question whether the town manager was simply looking to use the returnable money for other purposes rather than allow Boosters to help local kids.

“There was conversation out there that I was taking money away from kids. I wouldn’t do that. Kids are a #1 priority for me. I want them to have everything they need...I would give everything I have to a child,” Newell told the audience, noting she was the one who pushed to bring back a full summer rec program this year including swim lessons and having a lifeguard on duty at Crystal Lake to allow the program to function. “I do follow the rules. We’re here to figure this out.”

Davis and Worcester both claimed to not have received the letter sent by Pellerin. When the question was raised about Boosters providing a list of how money was recently spent, Worcester initially responded that the group’s attorney urged Boosters to keep their books closed since it is a private organization.

“We have responsibilities too. The board is responsible to taxpayers,” Select Board member Matt Frank responded. “We need a paper trail.”

Citizen Kathy Laplante agreed with Frank, saying with any organization, general accounting is needed as to “what’s in and what’s out.”

When The News first reported on the issue in February 2021, Select Board member Rick Sykes agreed with the anonymous letter writer that spending questions should be answered. “We should be able to stipulate what we want to know, and if they say ‘no,’ we say good-bye,” Sykes said.

At the same meeting, Select Board member Penny Bean, who was involved in the Christmas is for Kids program, questioned whether the returnable money could be parceled out to other local non-profits, as well. “Other non-profit entities would like the chance to be able to do the same thing... Funding is an issue, organizations are struggling.”

Davis said he had no problem divulging how Boosters recently spent funds, and supported the idea of club officials and Town Manager Newell get together to agree upon developing a financial report.

Sykes suggested Boosters report out to the town each Dec. 31. He also questioned whether the town should be involved collecting the money. “I don’t think it is our money,” he said. “It worked for 43 years so why have money sent to the town?”

“Once again, I support the Boosters, but as an agent of the town, we’re obligated to ask for records,” said Frank, motioning that the board seek a three-year accounting of how Boosters used the returnable funds. “I don’t want to be the ogre here.”

The board voted 4-1 (Sykes against) for Boosters to provide accounting, and also work with the town manager regarding fund disbursement.