Jim McHugh's tenure as Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall manager has ended after more than three years in the role.

McHugh made the announcement Tuesday on Facebook."The management and staff would like to thank all those that have supported, attended events and entrusted the Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall with their celebrations," McHugh said. "In the past three-and-a-half years, we met and worked with some of the greatest clients and guests in the area. We loved turning your visions, thoughts and ideas into reality and delivering a personalized experience that was second to none. You have all left a lasting impression on myself, my family and the great staff at the Memorial Hall."What happened?According to McHugh, Jim Thorpe borough ended his contract."The borough has decided to move in a new direction and my contract will not be renewed," he posted. "It has been a great ride and many new friends were made because of this experience."At a workshop last week, however, borough council countered the claim."I want to make it very clear that we were in negotiations with Jim and on Dec. 29 around 5 p.m., he notified us he was unable to continue those negotiations," said Councilman Jay Miller. "It is our full intent to honor all of the contracts set up for 2017 at the facility."McHugh took over the hall in 2013, managing the facility and kitchen, while his wife, Sherry, handled the decorations.He was in a month-to-month agreement with the borough, according to Borough Manager Maureen Sterner."Mr. McHugh said that he was not in a position to execute a lease with the borough at this time," Sterner said. "Council opted to not continue the month-to-month agreement."Turning things aroundMcHugh came on board at a pivotal time for the hall, which had just six events under contract.In 2014, he booked an additional 34 events and increased revenue by 26 percent, according to a report he gave to council in 2015.Jim Thorpe's Memorial Hall was dedicated in 1983. Built at a cost of $800,000, it is part of the Jim Thorpe Memorial Park complex, which includes pavilions, playground equipment and a basketball court.The mortgage on the building has been on a strain on borough finances over the years.In recent years, the borough has approved transferring $25,000 from its sanitation department account to Memorial Hall in order to pay bills.Nonetheless, many customers who booked or attended events at the hall under McHugh's management have had positive reviews and expressed disappointment at the recent news."I was so sad when we got the call from the borough about this on Saturday," said Patricia Kochie Schnell. "I felt comfortable having my son's wedding there. Now I'm not sure what we have.""I have attended events there and I think… the service and food was excellent," William Berger posted in response to McHugh's announcement."So sad to hear this, a definite loss to the community," said Marcy Diaz Vincent. "Thank you so much for the time, attention and skill that you gave to each and every customer."Alex Connor and Ashley Clewell had a reception scheduled for Memorial Hall on April 22.The couple visited council's workshop Thursday to ask about the future of the venue."Council is gathering as much information is it can about the contracts for the hall," Council President Greg Strubinger said.Connor and Clewell have since found another venue for their reception."We booked Memorial Hall for Jim and Sherry," the couple said at the meeting.The futureThe long-term future of Memorial Hall remains in doubt as discussions continue within the borough.According to Sterner, $303,798 remains on the mortgage for the building.It has been a focal point of a facilities study by Spillman Farmer Architects. One of the firm's main recommendations was to move the borough's police department into the basement of Memorial Hall, a space formerly used as a roller skating rink. The move would allow the borough staff to expand its space in the main office located adjacent to the hall."Nothing has been made definite at this point, but the goal of the borough is still a lease," Sterner said.