During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the financial challenges facing the local pool and emergency medical services (EMS), highlighting the need for budget adjustments and potential fee increases.

The pool's budget is currently projected to be over by approximately $30,000, prompting discussions on how to address the shortfall. Officials noted that the pool is operating at nearly 100% of its budget, with additional expenses anticipated for salaries and utilities. To mitigate the deficit, suggestions included increasing property taxes allocated to the pool or raising fees for pool and park services. One official expressed concern about the impact of fee increases on low-income families, emphasizing the importance of balancing financial sustainability with community accessibility.

In addition to the pool discussions, the EMS department reported billing issues that have led to delays in revenue collection. Officials are optimistic that improvements in billing practices will help recover lost funds, with expectations of receiving a lump sum from the state to cover Medicare discrepancies. The department aims to catch up on outstanding bills by the end of the fiscal year.

The meeting also touched on tourism expenditures, with officials reviewing spending related to community events such as the fall festival. While some funding has been secured, specific financial details remain pending.

Overall, the discussions underscored the ongoing financial pressures faced by community services and the need for strategic planning to ensure their sustainability.