The Winton Liquor Store has hit some tough times, but rumors of its demise may be premature.

According to Winton Mayor Bret Janeksela, store manager Deb Maki and Winton City Clerk Anne Jackson, everyone involved with the liquor store wants to do everything possible to make sure the business stays afloat now and into the future.

Problems started for the WLS when the city looked over the business’s management structure and presented it with several recommended changes. This included combining certain jobs, for which the employees would need to reapply.

Workers for the WLS felt their jobs were being threatened and decided to form a union.

Originally, WLS management expected the majority of the legal costs, paid to the city attorney for the union’s formation, would be covered from the city’s general fund. But this was not the case.

Of the $3,178 in fees to be paid, five-sixths, or $2,648, must come from the WLS. According to City Clerk Anne Jackson, the WLS is just $6,392 in the black and facing what is considered the off-season for many area businesses.

“That’s not a whole lot to work with,” Jackson said. “We don’t know how it will work out, but we think that some adjustments will have to be made.”

According to Janeksela, the city can’t do much because general funds can’t be used to help out.

“The economy is what it is and things are tight right now,” he said. “But we can’t spend taxpayer money on saving the liquor store.”

However, he added that he is hoping for the best.

“No one wants to see it close,” he said. “I would love to see them make $150,000 a year. They’re important to the community here.”

Besides assisting with events like the annual Haunted Hayride, the WLS contributes over $700 per month toward the city’s sewer bond payment. Should it face closure, those costs would be shifted back to the city’s taxpayers.

Maki said that she hopes whatever solution is determined won’t affect employment.

“By forming the union we were just trying to protect jobs,” she said. “Hopefully we can make other changes. I know that I’ll do everything in my power to keep it up and running.”

But as a municipal liquor store, the WLS must adhere to an added benchmark. If the business falls into the red at any time for two out of three years, it will have to be shut down.

However, this isn’t the case yet and it won’t be for at least two more years. Until then, efforts will continue to find ways to save the WLS.

Maki stated that donations are always welcome. They can be dropped off to her at the Winton Liquor Store. Anyone interested can also call 365-3105 to get a mailing address and do their part to save the business.