Sport’s debt situation was discussed at the board meeting of the Vaasan region’s arenas.
The board of the municipal association Vaasanseiu arenas met on December 2. It appears from the minutes that Vaasan Sport’s “increasing from year to year” debt is currently around 600,000 euros.
– The debt is from a long time, director of the municipal corporation Michael Lyski specify to Iltalehti.
– It hasn’t come now.
At the end of February 2024, the debt was 556,450 euros.
The municipal association manages Sport’s traditional home cave, the Kuparisaari ice rink, which underwent a major renovation in 2020.
In the minutes, as one of the means of solving Sport’s financial difficulties, the “permanent reduction of the operating costs of the ice rink by various elements on an annual basis by around 40,000 euros” is mentioned.
– Sport has given up some of its premises, i.e. reduced its rental costs, Lyyski says.
– In addition, rents for sales premises were dropped, and advertising surface agreements have been reconsidered.
Debt forgiveness
The Kuparisaari ice rink was opened in 1971. Photo from February 2024. Marko Tuominiemi / AOP
Vaasanseutu arenat is a municipal corporation founded in 1995, the purpose of which is to promote and develop sports and leisure activities in the region. The owners of the group are the city of Vaasa and the municipality of Mustasaari.
According to the minutes, the municipal association has forgiven Sport’s debts for 70,000 euros.
Can it be said that the debt has been forgiven directly from the taxpayers’ wallets?
– Much depends on the point of view. Of course, the board of the (municipal corporation) thinks about what is ultimately in the interest of the residents.
The municipal corporation’s board of directors states in the minutes that Sport has not handled “obligations to the municipal corporation in accordance with the payment plan made in spring 2024 on time”. In the future, “the normal collection process will be followed”, but the municipal association has the possibility of short-term flexibility for each overdue receivable for an acceptable reason
The minutes also state that Sport’s “debt can no longer grow”.
– From what I have understood, now I feel that they (Sport) have got the light on that matter.
What conversational connection do you have towards Sport?
– Excellent. Every week we have a judge (Jonne Kemppainen) in dealing with and let’s see how to get an overall upward outlook.
Understanding
CEO Kemppainen also praises the communication between the club and the municipal corporation.
– Negotiations have been conducted in a good and open spirit, he says.
– There has been an understanding from that side, and we understand that such a hall does not work with the holy spirit.
According to Kemppainen, Sport’s debt to the municipal corporation “has remained stable this year”.
– It is shortened here along with all other expenses.
An eight-year payment plan has been drawn up for Sport.
– I believe that we will get a good result.
“Work in progress”
Vaasan Sport is firmly in the league’s middle class. PASI SUOKKO / AOP
Sport announced in November that it needed additional funding of 200,000 euros to tackle “short-term challenges”. Sport raised the money through the share issue, but it is still not enough.
Tuomas SaikkonenSport’s board member, used the expression “still gloomy” about the economic situation in his Monday Linkedin update.
– The goal for the rest of the year is a total of half a million euros. The halfway mark has been crossed, the bar has been crossed, CEO Kemppainen says.
– Many warm negotiations are going on. You have to get the print now.
According to Kemppainen, the office is undergoing a “big change”.
– The whole economy must be turned around. They’ve been great at helping us, but the work is unfinished and there’s still a lack of funding.
“The game goes on”
Fortunately for the office staff, the team is playing an excellent autumn season. Sport is ninth, in other words strongly on the way to the playoffs.
– The first season has been great, Kemppainen sees.
– The game goes on, and great individuals have emerged, such as (young goalkeeper) Masi Härkönen.
The weekend’s TPS match attracted more than 3,900 spectators to Kuparisaari. The autumn average is around 3,670, or 70 viewers more than budgeted.
– The public has found the hall great. It tells about the interest of the people of Vaasa.