Hinsdale reports $91,000 operating surplus after what staff called a “very successful” 2024 pool season

Hinsdale Parks and Recreation staff reported Tuesday that the village pool produced an estimated $91,000 operating surplus for the 2024 season, reflecting higher nonresident fees, increased rentals and cost controls on staffing and chemicals.

The presentation, led by Parks staff member Mike, summarized the 2024 season as “extremely successful” and noted a perfect five‑star audit from Stargard and a successful biannual aquatic safety audit from the village’s insurer, which the report said confirmed “full compliance with all recommended guidelines.”

Why it matters: higher revenue and stronger audits reduce pressure on the village’s general fund and give staff latitude to pursue modest capital and maintenance work without immediate additional taxes or large one‑time assessments. The presentation also identified items likely to affect 2025 budgeting and operations, including equipment replacement and planned painting of pool surfaces.

Staff highlighted two main revenue drivers for 2024: nonresident membership fees, which rose by roughly $12,000, and rental income largely tied to an amended contract with the Hinsdale Swim Club. Mike said the swim club’s early use of the pool — initially a one‑time accommodation when the club lost indoor space — has turned into a three‑year arrangement and helped train staff earlier in the year. The department also received a $2,500 safety grant and a $12.50 reimbursement grant tied to the Stargard audit, and secured a new concession vendor via a recent RFP.

On expenses, staff told commissioners the department controlled labor costs by better matching staffing to weather‑driven demand and pool closures. Chemical usage dropped after adding a supplement intended to reduce chlorine “burn off” in hot weather; a supplier at a conference noted the village’s chlorine consumption was down. Staff also reported unplanned end‑of‑season repairs, including work on the RPZ backflow device and a pump lift that required vendor service. Those repairs, plus some one‑time equipment purchases and additional custodial cleaning, increased certain line items.

Operational changes described in the report included greater flexibility for private swim lessons and a modest marketing push that increased private‑lesson participation while group lessons continued to decline. Mike said private lessons are offered more flexibly now and are attractive to staff because they are higher‑paid, shorter sessions that allow lifeguards to do multiple 30‑minute lessons in a shift.

Commissioners raised questions about the decline in group lessons and whether the department should expand evening lesson options. Mike and staff member Todd said they would investigate evening offerings and continue to use visitation‑by‑hour data (included in the packet) to guide scheduling. The department also plans to buy 32 new lounge chairs, continue marketing the early‑bird membership that 65% of survey respondents used, and consider adjustments to improve concession speed on busy days.

Capital items for 2025 highlighted in the packet include pumping and pool surface work. The department budgeted approximately $80,000 in capital expenditures, of which about $20,000 per pump is an annual line item and roughly $60,000 is a pool painting bid. Staff explained that vertical well pumps are maintained on a scheduled rebuild program that has extended their service life well beyond their original 12–15 year estimate.

The report also covered programming: the town team (youth swim team) continued to grow, a new coach, Mariko, joined the program, and the department hosted regional meets and a junior lifeguard feeder program that staff said has been effective in recruiting future lifeguards. Attendance and visitation graphs in the packet showed year‑over‑year growth driven largely by good weather and increased day‑camp participation.

What’s next: staff will investigate the drop in electric costs between years and return with more detail, evaluate the feasibility of evening swim lessons, finalize concession vendor selection from the RFP, and move forward on minor capital work (chairs, painting and valve replacements) while continuing to plan for larger pool renovation needs in future master‑planning work.

Ending: Commissioners praised staff for operations and training improvements; staff said it will bring follow‑up details and proposals for 2025 operational tweaks and the identified capital projects in future meetings.