Editor's note: This is the first in a three-part series highlighting effects of the forecasted state revenue-sharing cuts, which impact the East Lansing city budget.

Atop the gravelly, bi-level roof of the Bailey Community Center, numerous tufts of green moss grow without restriction.

It is a section of the roof built below the roof's main level that rarely sees the sun and has suffered for it with a segment that no longer stops the rain.

During a strong storm or winter thaw, the building's corridors are lined with buckets to catch the water dripping from the ceiling. Unfortunately, they don't always catch the chunks of ceiling panels that also sometimes fall after becoming saturated.

"It runs down the wall, just like a river," said Carlos Barajas, the East Lansing facilities technician coordinator, standing on the building's roof. "This facility requires the most renovation."

But the center's failing roof might go another year without being fixed unless state revenue-sharing funds turn out to be more than city officials predict. The city's proposed fiscal-year budget for 2005 calls for a number of cuts to projects in the city, including the $50,000 needed to put a new roof on the center.

The roof's fate partially is up to the state Legislature, which is in the process of working out the state budget. The budget will determine how state funds will be allocated to Michigan cities, also known as revenue sharing.

The center, 300 Bailey St., houses the city's child care center, as well as various community classes and events.

Barajas, who is in charge of maintaining the roofs of various city buildings, said patching the 21-year-old roof is a constant chore. Tar is used to fill the leaks, but the tar often boils in the heat, creating bubbles that pop and create pockets that fill with rain and weigh down the roof, he said.

"(The roof) has extended its life expectancy," he said, adding that luckily, the leaks don't drip into the classrooms. "It has lived its useful life."

East Lansing City Manager Ted Staton said he understands the problem at the center firsthand. He often has evaded buckets placed in hallways in order to pick up his son, who attends the child care program.

"It impacts the operation of the facility for sure," he said, adding that the building is in need of ventilation and heating improvements, as well as numerous paint jobs.

Staton said the city must be patient as the state Legislature puts the final touches on the budget this summer.

"We are very hopeful that the Legislature will pass a budget that is fair to cities," Staton said. "We singled this project out as an important thing to add if the funds come in from the state."

Until the day the roof is fixed, the teachers and administrators who run the center will continue to keep the buckets and "Wet floor" signs handy, said Julie Anne Jennings, the center's child care accounts manager and kindergarten teacher.

"It's disappointing, but it has been a common problem," Jennings said. "Our building is still pretty well-maintained."

Recently, the center has undergone various renovations, including new blinds for windows throughout the building, new door locks and an electronic keypad entrance system for the front door.

Ultimately, Barajas, who must watch his steps on the roof for fear of falling through, said any renovations for the center could be heavily scrutinized by city officials.

"We have to justify why we want to do what we want to do," Barajas said. "It's an old building."

Don Jordan can be reached at jordand3@msu.edu.