Already facing cutbacks to maintain its budget on an even keel, Citrus County now has another financial mouth to feed - the recreational facilities of the Beverly Hills Recreation Association.

The BHRA, facing insolvency, has arranged to deed its 26-acre recreation facility to the county, under a nearly 20-year-old arrangement known as a DRI (Development of Regional Impact) - which provides that the county would take over should the property become insolvent.

Florida defines a DRI as any development which, because of its character, magnitude or location, would have a substantial effect upon the health, safety or welfare of citizens of more than one county. DRIs are regulated by Section 380.06 Florida Statutes and Chapter 28-24 and Rule 9J-2 Florida Administrative Code.

At Tuesday's county commission meeting, Anna Panasik, BHRA President, told commissioners the decision to deed the property to the county was made by the BHRA board at its Aug. 15 meeting. At one time, she said, the BHRA had more than 1,000 members, and has operated for about 21 years. Membership now is about 500, and each member pays about $175 per year.

Panasik said the county was notified in January that the association was having financial difficulties. Since that time, commissioner Joe Meek, who represents that area on the commission, County Administrator Brad Thorpe and County Attorney Richard Wesch have discussed the problems faced by the BHRA.

After giving the commission an overview of the situation faced by the county and BHRA, Meek told commissioners that the county faced three options: to receive the property and close it down, develop a transfer plan and see how it's going after one year or to consider other alternatives, such as getting an outside agency to run the facilities.

Thorpe told commissioners the county had a management plan for the facilities, but did not elaborate at the commission meting. "We do have a management plan we'll propose as we get closer to receiving the keys," Thorpe said.

Commissioner J.J. Kenney made it clear to BHRA members at Tuesday's meeting that the county is proceeding cautiously with the addition of the BHRA's property. "I don't think you have to worry about us ordering plywood to board it up. This is going to be part of our parks and recreation, and will become a beautiful community asset." Kenney said he didn't think the BHRA members would see a rise in fees, but he cautioned. "You've got to help sell the product - it needs to be self-sustaining."

Commissioner Winn Webb said the BHRA facilities represented a "wonderful asset, and an under-utilized asset." He said the facilities have been well maintained.

Commissioner Meek said the BHRA facilities were a "gem" for Beverly Hills and for Citrus County as a whole, and Commissioner Rebecca Bays said the facilities were an opportunity that would join together the four corners of the county. But Bays also said, "This really does need to support itself financially."

Commissioner Dennis Damato said, "We need to view this as a partnership where both of us are asked to step up to the plate. Let's reshuffle the deck. Let's sustain this property and this organization."

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