Parks committee votes 4-3 to recommend county not reopen pool, cites safety and operating losses

At a Parks and Recreation Committee meeting, members voted 4-3 to recommend that the County Commission not reopen the county pool next season, citing structural deterioration and continuing operating losses.

Committee member Mr. Carmen moved that the committee recommend against reopening the pool “due to cost and repairs,” and Mr. Overman seconded the motion. The motion passed on a 4-3 vote. The transcript records Mr. Gregory, Mr. Presley and Melinda Bruce voting “aye”; the committee’s motion passed 4-3 overall.

Why it matters: The committee framed the recommendation as a financial and safety decision that requires a full County Commission vote because the commission controls capital funding and larger budget choices. Committee members asked county staff to prepare updated cost estimates and bids to present to the full commission.

Cliff, a parks staff member, told the committee the pool is regulated under the state public swimming pool permit and “we do have to have lifeguards for the swimming pool,” adding that the facility is close to requiring two lifeguards on duty. Cliff also reported what he described as advancing structural problems: he said the pool was designed for a roughly 10-year life, that it was rebuilt around 2011, and that “this year is the first year that we actually had a crack from one side of the pool under all the way across to the other side,” a defect staff said has been getting worse.

Committee members described rising operating losses and rising estimated replacement costs as central to the recommendation. One committee member said the pool had once lost “about $5,000” some years but later “we're losing 25 and 30,000.” Another member said a bare-minimum replacement estimate would be “what, 200,000 or bare minimum probably.” The committee did not adopt a funding plan; members discussed that ARPA or the capital projects fund could be options for financing if the commission chooses to rebuild.

Some members and a community speaker urged considering lower-cost repairs or schedule changes rather than full closure. A community member suggested doing a “lesser” repair and limiting hours to save money and keep the facility available for children and families; that speaker said better repairs could reduce ongoing maintenance costs.

Next steps: The committee recommended the closure to the County Commission and requested staff bring updated bids and financial figures to the full commission for a final decision. The committee also asked to place the item on the next commission agenda so commissioners can vote on the recommendation.

Ending: The committee scheduled follow-up: staff said they would attend the County Commission meeting with updated numbers. If the commission rejects the recommendation, committee members said they would return with funding options and more detailed cost estimates.