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LAKE PLACID - The Olympic Regional Development Authority anticipates receiving $1 million less than expected in the 2010-11 fiscal year.

According to ORDA spokesman Jon Lundin, ORDA's Board of Directors learned of the proposed budget cuts after Gov. David Paterson announced his Executive Budget in February. ORDA may receive $5.7 million instead of an expected $6.7 million from the state.

ORDA's board members had a budget set in December that included the anticipated $6.7 million but have since considered a new budget.

"We've identified items we could tackle to make up for these losses," ORDA President Ted Blazer said at a Board of Directors meeting Tuesday.

Among the cuts, ORDA does not plan on increasing its employee payroll, as previously decided. According to Blazer, the rest of the loss will be made up by looking into conservative efforts at the operational level of ORDA venues.

"We're looking at everything from when we start making snow to when we buy paper towels," Blazer said. "We're trying to read the crystal ball and be ahead of the curve."

Some concern among board members came up regarding the loss of money farther down the road.

"We've been doing a great job squeezing the sponge, but at some point it's going to be dry," said board member Ed Weibrecht. "That's my concern. We need to look for new revenue wherever we can."

Weibrecht said there may be a need to revisit other options to create revenue, such as the proposed zipline at the ski jumping complex, a project that was put on hold last year.

But Blazer emphasized the need to focus on the core mission of ORDA - the venues that are currently in operation.

Weibrecht also said there is a need to find partnership with similar groups in the area, such as the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST).

"We need to work with other organizations and build the synergy to move forward," Weibrecht said.

The board agreed to schedule another meeting to further discuss ORDA's resources and opportunities to cut costs.

"At some point, if we don't find additional funds, were going to be forced to make some very hard decisions," said board Chairman Joe Martens.

Board member Robert Flacke suggested that ORDA keep better track of its future expenses with a clear-cut list of maintenance costs, lifespans of machinery and utilities used at Olympic venues. Flacke made a proposition to support a better understanding of how the organization works at a fundamental level. The board agreed.

Blazer kept an optimistic attitude.

"We're in a good place, in a location that is protected." Blazer said. "We're in charge of some of the premier venues in the country. Our programs are strong, and what we do affects a lot of people."

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Conference center update

According to Robert Hammond, ORDA's director of planning and construction, about 20 percent of the work at the conference center has been completed.

ORDA is currently accepting bids for general contracting, and the project is on schedule. Hammond said he hopes to come in under the budget.

The conference center is anticipated to be complete in late January 2011 and fully operational by spring.