O' Keefe Ranch looks for cash infusion

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 08, 2012 1:00 AM

Ice cream, chili and vegetables could help cash-strapped O’Keefe Ranch turn its fortunes around. Vernon council will receive a report Monday on possible ways of increasing revenue. “Ultimately, I’d like to see it running on its own steam as much as possible,” said Coun. Brian Quiring, who sits on a task force looking at the city-owned ranch. Among the suggestions for bolstering traffic are a chili cook-off, outdoor concerts, youth recreation programs, an ice cream station, a farmers market and possibly acquiring a model passenger railroad. “The ranch needs more exposure and if it gets more exposure, there’s more people through the gate,” said Quiring. One other suggestion is establishing a community garden. “If we can get buses from seniors homes going out there to the garden, it means more people through the door,” said Quiring of expanding awareness of the ranch and the attractions it provides. The community garden could also promote local heritage by using antique farm implements. The task force wants increased focus on marketing but Quiring says that is difficult currently because staff is laid off for three months in the winter. “That’s the time needed to be marketing and preparing for the next season,” he said, adding the ranch manager’s position should be year-round. Other task force recommendations call for a five-year business plan and construction of a large barn for weddings, receptions and trade shows. O’Keefe Ranch has gone through financial struggles in recent years and as of June, there is a $20,000 shortfall in revenue. “We recommend that the (ranch) board meet in July to discuss options to bring the budget back into balance,” states the task force. “In the meantime, the O’Keefe society will take all steps possible to close this gap.” The current operating budget is $450,000, with $250,000 coming from grants and other sources. Revenue from admission and special events is budgeted for $150,000, with the remainder of the funds coming from rental income.
-----------------
Don Quixote Note: Report can be found at Page 6-11 of  Monday's Cow Agenda (8:40 AM) Agenda Package