North Georgia YMCA officials told SPLOST, special-purpose local-option sales tax, hearing attendees March 31 that the organization withdraws its request for funding.

Tripp McCallie, executive director of the North Georgia YMCA, shared the news Monday at Constitution Hall in Fort Oglethorpe.

“In discussions with our volunteers, we have concluded that this is just not the right time to pursue a wellness center in Catoosa County,” he said. “There are pressing needs for infrastructure and emergency preparedness in Catoosa County along with a number of state mandated projects. Although we are disappointed, we support the commissioners in their recognition of the need to cut dollars from the total SPLOST budget.”

The YMCA had asked commissioners earlier this year for $5 million in SPLOST funding in addition to land at Benton Place for the facility.

North Georgia YMCA chairman Robert Hitchcox said that the timing is just not right for the request.

“There are other pressing issues in the county,” he said. “We feel like a wellness center in the county would improve the quality of life and well being of the community.”

Commissioner Mark Fletcher agrees with Hitchcox and hopes that there will be a wellness center of some kind in Catoosa’s future.

“I hope that it does not go away,” he said. “I appreciate the attitude of the YMCA on the matter.”

County resident Clydeen Tomanio was disappointed with the YMCA decision. She uses the Hamilton County YMCA facilities.

“I know a lot of people would have used it,” she said. “ I hope it is going to come. There is only so much money to go around.”

Fort Oglethorpe resident Peggy Stanfield said that she was glad the choice was made to remove the YMCA from SPLOST consideration.

The proposed wellness center called for a facility of approximately 58,000 square feet with indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, wellness center, aerobics studio, member nursery, a youth center, family locker rooms and meeting spaces.

Hutcheson Medical Center was to occupy approximately 6,000 square feet within the Wellness Center and staff it as a satellite facility. The proposed center would offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiac rehab, aquatic therapy and wellness programs relating to diabetes, arthritis and other debilitating diseases.

“I am very proud of the YMCA’s role in this community what we have accomplished as a branch and as an association, and of those who continue to support the YMCA in this endeavor,” McCallie said.

The North Georgia Family YMCA is currently located at 1846 LaFayette Road in Fort Oglethorpe.

McCallie said the YMCA will continue to expand programs at its current facility and fulfill its mission in North Georgia community while working diligently to bring a full wellness center to Catoosa County