MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America lost nearly $200,000 in 2015, according to figures released by its board of directors.
The council has lost an average of more than $200,000 a year since 2008, according to the figures, with the loss in one year topping $311,000.
Board members respond
Baldwin County Commissioner Tucker Dorsey, a member of the council’s executive board, did not give a reason for the losses when asked about them. Dorsey said it was hard for him to understand how the council could lose so much money every year for that length of time without anyone doing anything about it.
Board President Phil Webb said parents of current Scouts are not doing their fair share and blamed them for the shortfall the council has experienced over the past eight to 10 years.
Gary Finch, an Eagle Scout and longtime outdoors television host who has helped with council fundraising projects since 1988, said the board of directors is responsible for the losses. Finch said no business can lose an average of $200,000 a year for any period of time and stay in operation.
Camp Maubila land sale
To make it through 2015, the council sold about a third of Camp Maubila, which it has owned for more than 50 years and which is located north of Jackson. Possible additional land sales have been discussed.
Finch said the land sold off the main parcel is being used for hunting camps and leases, mostly by deer hunters, and raised concerns about the safety of Scouts with high-powered rifles in use near the camp.
About the council
The Mobile Area Council was established in 1919. Michael Hartigan has served as its executive director since January 2009.
