Ice rink money troubles causing a stir

NORWICH, Conn. (WTNH) -- Pucks fly in hockey, but it was off the ice where accusations flew at the Norwich ice rink about why they're running over budget.

Are you angry," asked News 8's Stephanie Simoni.

"Yeah I'm really angry because it shouldn't have to be this way," said Larry Schmitz, figure skating parent. "I have to do my job, everybody should do theirs."

Schmitz and other parents say Norwich ice rink manager James Sanca should be out.

"I think they're blaming the wrong people. I believe their mismanagement at this rink is the problem," Schmitz said.

Sanca wouldn't do an interview.

"In my opinion, I regret that we haven't been better financially," said Norwich Ice Rink authority chairman Michael Goldblatt. He wants management to stay put.

"I think that they've done a a good job in some areas," said Goldblatt, "and a great job in some areas, and in some areas there's room for improvement."

"You're bringing in about three quarters of a million dollars, almost nearly 50 percent of that money is going to employee salaries and fringe benefits," News 8's Simoni replied.

"We're taking a hard look at the salaries and staffing requirements of the rink," said Goldblatt.

He admits they can strive for better and wants community support.

"I think anybody in the management team including myself, maybe we could have done a better job," Goldblatt said, "but you know we're trying to do the best job we can now."

"It's simple economics if you can handle it, don't do it," said Schmitz.

After the meeting, News 8 spoke with some of the parents who said they got rid of the finance director position and those duties will go to the city, so they'll have a look at the money trail.