City of Yuma approves settlement with Salvation Army

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KSWT, FOX 9) - The City of Yuma is set to approve a settlement with the Salvation Army during a special City Council meeting Tuesday night.

The Salvation Army took over the Boys and Girls Club back in 2003, and its building as well. In October 2018, after 15-years, the charitable group announced it would drop that affiliation.

Two months later, the legal battle began. Mayor Doug Nicholls announced the City of Yuma would sue the Salvation Army to get the building back.

Now the city has reached a settlement. Under the terms of that tentative deal, Yuma could ultimately buy back the building for less than the costs of the improvements made by the Salvation Army.

Mayor Doug Nicholls made it clear that they are working to have another non-profit take over the Boys and Girl's Program. They are hoping to not have any interruption in service.

“From the beginning, our interest was to make sure the longstanding service to boys and girls in the Yuma community would continue at this location,” said Mayor Douglas Nicholls.

If the city signs off on the plan and passes an ordinance, the settlement process will be deemed complete within 30 days and the lawsuit will be dismissed.

“We’re glad to have this matter behind us. We look forward to continue serving boys and girls, and all of the people of Yuma to the best of our ability in the future,” said Salvation Army Capt. Jeff Breazeale.

News 11's Ciara Encinas will be at Wednesday night's meeting. Look for her updates on KYMA.com and on News 11 at 10 p.m.