Romney pool organizers told the Hampshire County Commission on July 8 that volunteers and the Town of Romney have pledged about $700,000 toward a $1,100,000 Phase 1 community pool project and asked the county to consider bridging the remaining funding gap.

The pool presenters, led by Patty Anderson of the Romney Pool Project, said the nonprofit has raised roughly $700,000 and aims for a total of $1,100,000 to build the pool, pool house, restrooms and concession area. "We are now close to $700,000 pledged for our pool as we explained in June. Our goal is 1,100,000.0 and we are at the jump off point and need to move now in order to have a pool next year for the community," Anderson said.

The project team proposed several financing ideas, including using opioid settlement funds or offering an interest-free loan, and described a recurring ACH debit program to build predictable revenue. Anderson described the ACH plan: "With this debit program, we are equating 1 unit as $5. If we can have 1,000 pledges per month of $25 per month, we can build the pool." She also outlined programming goals including swim lessons, a swim team and youth activities.

Mayor Cadel, who accompanied the presenters, framed the pool as more than recreation: "Along with being a recreational facility, it will the pool will provide education, as she mentioned, for young adults and young children and hopefully seniors as well. And I think it could be looked at in a different light, and that is as an economic development tool." He said the town envisions later additions beyond the Phase 1 scope.

Commissioners discussed financing options and constraints. Commissioner Mance described two financing approaches and urged caution about long-term obligations to future commissions: "We can't make an allocation for 20,000 a year for the next 10 years." He said a lump-sum donation would avoid creating a recurring obligation and suggested the commission's fiscal staff review available funds. Commissioner Bridal noted construction and long-term maintenance costs for pools and sought confirmation that $1,100,000 represents the current project estimate, which the presenters affirmed is bid-dependent.

After discussion, Commissioner Englager moved that the commission ask the clerk's office to review the budget and assist the commissioners in developing a recommended lump-sum donation amount; the motion was seconded and passed. Commissioner Mance recused himself from the vote because of his legal involvement with the project; the clerk will present a recommendation at a special meeting previously scheduled for July 15.

The presenters requested a timely answer to keep the project on track for an opening next summer. Anderson said volunteers will hold a free community Kids Day and urged residents to sign up for the ACH program and other fundraising efforts.

Why it matters: The commission's decision could provide the final gap funding to complete Phase 1 of a volunteer-driven pool that organizers say would support youth programming and community recreation across Hampshire County. The clerk's budget review will determine whether a lump-sum donation is feasible without creating ongoing county obligations.

The commission did not commit a specific dollar amount at the July 8 meeting; the clerk will return with recommended figures and a proposal for formal action at the special meeting.