LEAD - The board of directors for the Northern Hills Family YMCA will meet next Wednesday in Lead to discuss membership fee increases and terminating its affiliation with the national YMCA organization.

The local recreation center has had a long history of financial difficulties, and management predicts a $50,000 deficit at the end of the year. The national membership guidelines prohibit budgets running in the red, and if Lead ends its affiliation, it would save about $5,000 in fees.

Other plans are to raise membership fees for use of the YMCA's pool, exercise equipment and programs. This would also generate additional revenue for the facility, officials say.

The Lead City Commission will discuss the matter at its Monday, July 13, meeting at 5 p.m.