Longview council approves $3 million fund-balance allocation for Stamford Park pool after 4–3 vote

The Longview City Council on March 27 approved an ordinance amending the fiscal year 2024–25 budget to allocate an additional $3,000,000 from the city's fund balance for construction of a public swimming pool at Stamford Park, passing the measure 4 to 3.

Councilmember Shannon Moore, who moved the ordinance, said the city has already spent money on design work and that the council had committed to the project: "We are committed to this project," Moore said, noting the city had entered a design contract "with Kimley and Horn for, almost half a million dollars. So far paid out is a hundred and $39,000."

The vote capped a lengthy public comment period in which dozens of residents—many from South Longview—urged passage for reasons including youth access and learn-to-swim programs, while others warned the expenditure would reduce reserves needed for streets, public safety equipment and future matching grants.

Why it matters: Council members who opposed the amendment argued the city's fund balance should be preserved for essential infrastructure and to maintain bond ratings. Councilmember Gamboa called for a public vote or a formal pool study before committing millions and said the proposal would reduce reserves needed to address street repairs and other high-priority needs.

Supporters said the pool would restore a long-standing community amenity removed in recent years and would provide youth programming, swim lessons and recreation for neighborhoods lacking pools. Councilmember Wade urged colleagues to "give the people what they want," and Councilmember Pirtle said, "We need to build this pool."

Council discussion and budget details: Moore and others said the city is already in the design phase and has paid consultant fees that factored into the decision to move forward. Multiple council members and staff referenced an existing design contract with Kimley and Horn; Moore cited roughly $467,000 in contract authority ("almost half a million dollars") and $139,000 already paid. Opponents raised the scale of the proposed final design (estimated at about $6.5 million in prior presentations discussed at public meetings) and the effect of drawing down reserves on other planned projects and bond-related obligations.

The council recorded the motion to "amend the budget for the City of Longview, Texas for fiscal year 24-25 to allocate an additional $3,000,000 from the fund balance for the construction of a public swimming pool at Stamford Park." The motion was made by Councilmember Shannon Moore and seconded by Councilmember Wade. The roll resulted in 4 votes in favor and 3 opposed; the ordinance was approved.

Discussion versus decision: The meeting record shows robust public comment and council debate on policy priorities and fiscal prudence. The council's formal action was limited to amending the FY24-25 budget and did not specify schedule, contractor selection beyond existing design work, or a detailed plan for swim lessons and long-term operations; councilmembers said programmatic details and staffing (including lifeguard training and swim lessons) would be addressed in subsequent implementation steps.

Votes at a glance: - Ordinance amending FY24-25 budget to allocate $3,000,000 from the fund balance for Stamford Park pool ' Motion: amend budget; Mover: Councilmember Shannon Moore; Second: Councilmember Wade; Tally: Yes 4, No 3; Outcome: approved.

Clarifying details: The city has an existing design contract with Kimley and Horn described in the meeting as "almost half a million dollars," with $139,000 already paid. Council comments referenced prior estimates and alternative repair options for the site (figures discussed in public meetings ranged from roughly $1.0M to $7.4M for different scopes in earlier presentations). Councilmember Gamboa cited concerns about the fund balance and financial best practices; she referenced recommended reserve targets and recent conversations about increasing reserves from roughly 10% toward 15% to protect the city's bond rating.

Next steps: The ordinance amends the budget; council and staff said city departments will return with implementation details including program staffing, operations, and any additional approvals required for construction contracts.