Sunnyside council hears options to reopen pool, market community center as budget gaps loom

City of Sunnyside managers and public works staff told the City Council on the study-session agenda that reopening the Sunnyside pool this spring will require immediate decisions on repairs, staffing and likely temporary revenue measures.

At a study-session presentation, Public Works Director Raul Sanchez summarized a season budget and the repairs needed to make the pool usable. He said seasonal payroll and benefits, chemicals, operations and a set of equipment repairs bring the estimated 2025 cost to about $358,881.74, while fee revenue in 2024 was $67,315.56.

The council heard why some repairs must be ordered quickly and why lifeguard training scheduling requires near-term decisions. Sanchez said, “We have to order it in advance so that we make sure that we gave it enough time for everything to show up and make sure everything's there and have it installed and tested.” City Manager Gonzales and councilors discussed short-term and long-term revenue options to close the gap.

Why it matters: reopening the pool consumes staff time and money and competes with other city priorities. Council members expressed urgency—both to recruit lifeguards before other area pools fill positions and to decide whether to alter hours, staffing or funding approaches so the pool can open on time.

Most important facts - Staff presented a projected season cost of $358,881.74 for operating the pool, including $122,760.48…