Manteca’s elected leaders are using extra interest from enterprise utility accounts to cover the municipal water, sewer, and solid waste fees for the Boys & Girls Club.

The move – made at the request of the non-profit agency that serves 1,500 Manteca youth – would have saved the club $8,273 had the decision been in place for 2009.

Based on the cost of $350 a year to serve a child, the city’s move means the costs for the equivalent of 25 children to access the club’s programs will be covered.

Mayor Willie Weatherford got the council to agree to a stipulation that staff alert elected leaders whenever there is no longer surplus interest in the enterprise accounts so the decision can be revisited.

The city uses the same excess interest source to provide senior citizens discount for garbage service. The city is barred by state law from simply waiving the utility charges.

The club leased city-owned property at 545 W. Alameda St. on May 18, 1981 as part of a 50-year agreement with the club paying a nominal $2 free a year. There is a 50-year option to renew at the end of the initial lease period. Private donations built the club and pay for its operations. If the club ceases to operate, the building and furnishings revert to the city.

Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Charlie Halford said the organization is struggling financially just as other non-profits are struggling.