Parks committee votes not to open county swimming pool in 2026; staff to seek rebuild estimates and funding options

The county’s parks and recreation committee recommended that the county not reopen the community swimming pool for the 2026 season and asked staff to gather cost estimates and explore grant funding for a rebuild, the committee reported.

“It's in such disrepair that it's a rebuild situation, just to be straight straight up honest with you,” a commissioner reported, referencing remarks made by Director Cliff Salee, who briefed the committee on needed repairs.

Committee materials and staff figures presented at the work session listed operating losses and major cost drivers: payroll was reported as $33,008.39, utilities $11,001.34 and maintenance $68.30; a total loss for the most recent season was reported as $33,001.73. Director Cliff Salee and committee members said ongoing water loss into surrounding grounds — which staff said was affecting nearby tennis courts and surfaces — is a contributing infrastructure failure that requires substantial work to fix.

The parks committee said it will not open the pool for the 2026 season absent a funded repair approach, and Commissioner David (planning staff) urged the body to prioritize mandated county services and staffing needs, noting sheriff’s department payroll pressures.

Staff indicated they will compile rough renovation cost estimates and explore potential grant opportunities and other funding sources. A committee member said Cliff has indicated a February deadline to prepare materials for next season planning.

No formal budget appropriation or final decision to demolish or replace the facility was recorded at the work session. The committee recommendation to keep the pool closed for 2026 and the instruction to gather estimates and funding options were the actions captured during the meeting.