Edina council authorizes tax-abatement process as debate continues over $9 million aquatic center pump-house repair

The Edina City Council voted July 15 to begin a tax‑abatement financing process and to approve design and construction‑administration contracts to address major mechanical and electrical failures at the Edina Aquatic Center. The abatement resolution opens a public notice period that would allow the city to sell up to $8.985 million in general‑obligation bonds for the project if the council later chooses to do so. The pump‑house project grew from an earlier schematic estimate into a near‑$9 million budget as staff refined design, identified code‑required surge‑tank replacements and priced construction work; staff recommended a phased approach that focuses first on the new pump/filter building and associated systems, then on optional user‑amenity improvements such as shaded, reservable seating structures. Why it matters: the aquatic center has closed for short periods because of equipment failures since…