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Hampshire County pledges $30,000 toward countywide pool project, commissioners say funds released after contract confirmed
Summary
After hours of debate and caution from clerk and treasurer staff about low reserves, the commission pledged $30,000 to the 'Sink the Pool' committee; the pledge will be released only when the project has a firm construction contract and confirmed total funding.
Hampshire County commissioners on July 15 voted to pledge $30,000 to the committee working to build a county swimming pool, but they conditioned the pledge on the committee securing a firm contract and having the full funds required to proceed.
“Once that is in stone and there is a contract in place, and you guys have the would have all the money to be able to pay that contract, our $30,000 pledge is there,” Commissioner Brill said during the meeting, explaining the commission’s intent to make the contribution contingent on confirmed pricing and contract execution.
Commissioners spent more than an hour debating the request after county finance staff warned that recent one‑time expenditures have reduced reserves. Clerk Scribe told the board the county had previously transferred $880,721 into the new fiscal year and cautioned against unbudgeted disbursements; the treasurer’s office representative agreed, saying, “we're very confident there's not substantial funds there to be giving out to what's not already been budgeted for.”
Commissioner Mance recused himself from the vote because of his prior involvement with the project; the minutes record that Mance abstained. Commissioner Brill moved the pledge and President Englanger seconded it; President Englanger announced the motion passed after the ayes.
Representatives of the pool committee and several residents spoke at the meeting. Susan Hallam, a committee volunteer, asked whether the county would release the $30,000 once the committee raised the remaining funds; Brill and Englanger explained the county will not issue the check until a contract and confirmed budget are in place. City Council member Duncan Haught and the mayor of Romney also addressed commissioners during public comment.
Commissioners said they would consider discussing future recurring operating support for the pool after the facility is built; they noted state law limits on multi‑year county contracting mean any ongoing contributions would be evaluated and requested year to year. The commission also reaffirmed willingness to continue working with the pool committee and to consider additional support if county finances permit in future budget cycles.
