City evaluates $85K pool renovations and $375K solar panel replacement project

The Moab City Council meeting on April 22, 2025, spotlighted urgent discussions surrounding the future of the Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center (MRAC) and its solar energy initiatives. A significant focus was placed on the need for structural improvements to the MRAC, with officials acknowledging that while the pool is currently closed due to mechanical issues, the building itself requires critical upgrades.

City officials proposed allocating $85,000 in the upcoming budget to hire a firm to assess and create plans for necessary repairs. The urgency of these improvements was emphasized, as failure to address them could lead to escalating costs in the future. “We’re really good at identifying the problems at the pool, not really good at coming up with solutions,” one council member noted, highlighting the need for decisive action.

In addition to the structural concerns, the council discussed the potential replacement of solar panels on the MRAC and another city building, which were damaged in a recent hailstorm. The current solar panels are operating at only 20% efficiency, prompting discussions about a $375,000 project to replace them. However, council members expressed caution, noting that the financial viability of such an investment needs thorough evaluation. One member pointed out the recent spike in tariffs on solar products, which could significantly impact costs.

The council is considering whether to proceed with the solar project or to prioritize the more pressing structural repairs at the MRAC. “We have bigger issues than the solar panels,” one member stated, suggesting that a detailed financial analysis of the solar initiative is necessary before moving forward.

As the council prepares for a stakeholder meeting on May 1 regarding the 300 South Bridge project, the discussions around the MRAC and solar energy reflect a broader commitment to addressing infrastructure needs while balancing fiscal responsibility. The outcomes of these deliberations will shape the future of Moab's recreational facilities and energy strategies.