Citizens urge save‑the‑pool efforts as council outlines process; sales‑tax option remains uncertain

A string of residents and council members on Sept. 3 pressed the Rolla City Council to find a long‑term solution for the community center and natatorium, while staff described a planned public process and warned that a sales‑tax ballot measure would be difficult and must be led by organized citizens.

Public comments highlighted personal dependence on the pool. Deborah Castle, a resident and regular user, urged formation of a community committee to evaluate options including stabilization, removal of the slide, repurposing costs and revenue alternatives. “The pool is a unique asset to the community. For many people, it is their only option for exercise,” she told the council, listing medical and mobility‑related benefits she had observed.

Multiple commenters recounted medical and therapy uses of the pool. Julie Murray said she uses the pool to aid recovery from back surgery and to manage multiple sclerosis; Penelope Isk (spelled phonetically in record) described children’s swim lessons and regular Saturday use.

Staff response and planned process

Mayor and staff described how the city will proceed. The mayor said the recommendation is temporary closure, not permanent, while committing to a community process to evaluate options; he said the 2026 budget includes $50,000 to start that process with outside facilitators, architects and consultants to produce options for the public and council. “We do intend to come back to the community with options, and we do intend for the community to weigh in as to which direction you want to go,” the mayor said.

Sales‑tax option and political realities

Council and staff debated a potential ballot measure to fund ongoing operations and capital needs. Staff cautioned that past ballot attempts failed when the center was included; a prior parks‑only sales tax (Prop P) passed but excluded the center. The mayor and staff emphasized the city cannot promote a tax measure; any ballot campaign would need an organized citizen group to raise funds and educate voters. “By law, we cannot promote for a tax increase,” he said; citizens volunteered to organize outreach if the council were to allow a ballot measure.

Timing and budget constraints

Council members discussed timetables. Staff said a decision about placing a tax on the April ballot would require preparation by December/January. In the meantime, the budget process requires council action by mid‑September; staff asked citizens to stay engaged during a fast‑tracked public comment period if the council decides to pursue a ballot measure.

Ending

The council agreed to continue discussions but delayed final decisions. Staff will use budgeted consulting funds to begin a structured evaluation and will return with options and potential timelines for a ballot measure only after the city receives citizen organization and clear proposals.