WAVERLY - As expected, the city will honor its commitment and help make up revenue shortfalls produced by the Wartburg-Waverly Sports and Wellness Center.

At a council session Monday night, members upheld the city's contract with Wartburg College, agreeing to pay an additional $600,000 this year. Councilman Duane Liddle voted against making the payment.

Though the measure was approved, Councilman Gene Lieb wondered why the anticipated and actual dollar amount for several revenue streams were more than 50 percent off. According to financial records, the wellness center took in slightly more than $792,000 in 2008-09. Officials had estimated total revenues would exceed $2 million.

Mayor Ike Ackerman called the difference a "huge" disparity.

Jim Langel, executive director of the wellness center, dubbed The W, told council members that efforts are under way to increase memberships and cash flow. The operation, he added, is picking up momentum.

Last summer, The W had 500 memberships. Today, 18 months into business, the number has grown to 870, Langel said.

"So it is trending up," he said.

The wellness center, which opened in January 2008, represents a partnership between Wartburg and the city. Residents, college students and out-of-town visitors all have access to The W and programming.

The city also turned over its recreational programs to The W, guaranteeing payments to the college of $150,000 a year for eight years. Under the agreement, the city could pay an additional $600,000 a year as part of a contingency plan.

Langel and Rich Seggerman, chief business officer and treasurer at Wartburg, suggested a tough economy and a delay in opening adversely affected incoming dollars.

"The thing that we feel we are missing the most are corporate memberships," Langel added.

Seggerman said officials will look at updated revenue estimates this fall.

Ackerman noted many residents apparently are confused about how the city is supporting The W.

Payments to Wartburg for the facility come from capital improvement, recreational reserve funds and tax increment financing dollars, City Administrator Dick Crayne said.

Ackerman reaffirmed The W is an economic development tool and an asset to Waverly.

"It's a marvelous addition to the city, so thank you for your work on it," he said.