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Saint Marys council discusses pool feasibility study; no action taken
Summary
Council members and staff discussed a recent feasibility study that presented three pool options; staff said the recommended costs exceed the general fund and the council asked staff to explore options and grant eligibility before making decisions.
Council members and residents discussed a recent community pool feasibility study during the meeting; no formal decision or funding commitment was made.
A city staff member summarized the managers review of the study, saying, "the cost recommended in my opinion is mainly beyond our means since most of it is actually greater than our general fund budget." Council members and residents asked why the study presented three options instead of a yes-or-no feasibility determination; one commentator suggested that grant applications and funders often require multiple options and detailed elements in feasibility studies.
Council and residents cited local examples and cost figures discussed in the meeting. One participant referenced a Bellefonte project that cost about $2.9 million for a pool and related infrastructure; another council member suggested a local estimate could reach $5 million depending on scope. Council members emphasized the need to explore multiple funding scenarios, grants and potentially a bond issue before pursuing a project the city could not sustain in operations.
No motion to authorize design, bond issuance or grant application was made. Council members asked staff to continue gathering information and to report back on options and potential funding approaches. Council commented publicly that they are being approached by residents for updates and that staff are researching multiple scenarios.
