Sierra Vista council declines to reopen Pueblo Del Sol pool after staff cites roughly $1 million in repairs

Sierra Vista City Council on Feb. 13 voted against pursuing the improvements necessary to reopen the Pueblo Del Sol swimming pool after staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended against proceeding.

City staff told the council that bringing the pool up to Arizona legal and regulatory standards would cost about $800,000, with restroom upgrades likely "north of a couple hundred thousand dollars," putting total immediate capital needs around $1 million. Staff also estimated annual operating costs for a four-month summer season between $100,000 and $200,000 depending on usage.

"Both the Park and Recreation Commission and I do not recommend approval of this item tonight," a Parks and Recreation staff member told the council during the new-business presentation. Councilman David Jones made the motion to authorize pursuit of improvements and reopening; the motion was seconded and, after discussion, failed on a voice vote.

Council members who spoke thanked staff for compiling the cost and operational estimates and noted the work that would be required to operate a public pool (including hiring lifeguards and customer-service staff). Several council members and staff said community input had been robust, with public comments for and against reopening taken during prior meetings and a special work session.

The council did not adopt any alternative directive for staff to pursue a phased or reduced-scope reopening at this meeting. The item closed with the formal vote against taking the next step to authorize improvements.

The decision leaves the pool closed and the city without an approved plan or funding source to reopen it; council members said they would continue to consider community feedback and financial implications if new options emerge.