Rec center transfer rubs west-siders raw

What started as a simple subtraction on a piece of paper has created a chasm across Salt Lake City's west side.

Bureaucrats worried about budgets have sold out kids, low-income families, refugees and volunteers, argue Sorenson Multi-Cultural Center devotees who fear the likely transfer of the rec center to Salt Lake County would do irrevocable harm.

Yet Councilman Eric Jergensen expects a majority of at least four City Council members -- "maybe more," he says -- to vote tonight to shift control of the popular Glendale hangout.

The move, however unpopular, would end six weeks of warring between government officials and west-siders, who accuse City Hall of forsaking transparency to balance the books on the backs of the poor.

City officials counter that Sorenson fees would go up next year anyway. And by allowing the county to run the pool and the programming -- even if it would cost 18 people their jobs -- the city could save $400,000 a year. Plus, they say, a $20,000 scholarship fund would help ensure no one loses service.

"This proposal sounds very appealing when viewed from the lofty heights of their plush chamber chairs," says Sorenson volunteer Mark Harling, convinced the city simply wants to "unload oversight."

"They will pay no political price for their decision. From their perch in the City-County Building, balls bouncing at [Sorenson] will look like balls bouncing at the other county rec centers. From the shoes of

those kids and parents that currently rely on the Sorenson Center, things will look much different."

Harling fears the advertised higher prices would push kids toward the streets -- perhaps into gangs. He argues that the existing level of mentorship would be lost. And he wonders why the city -- despite seeing 642 signatures on a petition opposed to the deal -- "blew it off."

Mayor Ralph Becker "does care about the facility and has been there a number of times," spokeswoman Lisa Harrison Smith says. "This proposed transition has never been about taking services away. Rather, it's been about maintaining these important and well-utilized services."

Smith points to two public briefings, an open house at Sorenson, two Community Council forums and a dedicated public hearing as evidence the city is committed to gathering feedback on the controversy. Still, tonight's vote is expected to come before residents can weigh in one last time.

"It's absolutely not a reduction of public input," says Cindy Gust-Jenson, executive director of the council. "It's an enhancement."

County officials portray the move as win-win. A more experienced recreation-management team would take over, they say, albeit on a level that could save taxpayers money.

Still, critics insist the deal was hatched behind closed doors -- months before the public was informed -- as a score to settle with Sorenson management often at odds with City Hall.

"This is a slap in the face to the west side," says activist Michael Clara.

A Sorenson family representative says the rec center's namesake foundation will not get involved, insisting the matter is between the city and the county.

If the council gives its nod, the transfer of power would occur Jan. 1.

Councilman Van Turner, who represents the Glendale area, is torn about how to vote.

"I'm a guy who always votes with the neighborhood," Turner says. "And, on this one, I hear them loud and clear."

Jergensen says he's a "yes," as long as the city guarantees a sufficient scholarship pool and oversight from an engaged community group. "Will they change?" he asks about services at Sorenson. "Probably. Will they be destroyed? I don't think so."

But Harling says the city is about to abandon a treasure sitting in its own backyard. "It's like a wart on their finger," he shrugs. "They just want it gone."

djensen@sltrib.com