Rolla council pauses decision on rec center; natatorium’s future tied to budget and possible public vote

Dozens of Rolla residents urged the City Council on Aug. 18 to keep the Rolla Recreation Center’s indoor pool (the natatorium) open while city staff and council weigh how to cover rising operating losses and near‑term capital repairs. The matter drew the largest public turnout of the meeting, with swimmers, doctors and older residents describing health and safety benefits of water exercise and swim lessons. Council members and staff described a confluence of problems: memberships and program revenue are below budget; the center is running a roughly $60,000 monthly net operating loss; and several large capital repairs are either overdue or likely to fail soon. City staff estimated major immediate project costs of roughly $500,000–$550,000 to replace the pool’s HVAC “pool pack,” about $200,000 to replaster the pool, and $90,000–$100,000 to replace a closed water slide. Staff said those capital numbers would be…