Grants Pass council delays decision on reallocating $5 million URA pool funds

Grants Pass City staff on Monday reopened discussion about reallocating $5 million in Urban Renewal Agency (URA) funds that had previously been designated for a public swimming pool project. Staff presented several alternative priorities and sought direction on whether to move funding to other URA projects or retain the pool as a future URA priority.

Why it matters: The $5 million represented a planned URA investment in the agency’s five‑year implementation strategy. Reallocating those funds changes the URA’s short‑term priorities and could influence projects ranging from industrial infrastructure to downtown redevelopment and housing incentives.

Background and options presented Staff summarized the URA plan history and the legal distinction between minor and substantial plan amendments. The agency’s five‑year implementation strategy — adopted by resolution in late 2024 — lists multiple projects; the public swimming pool was allocated $2 million in FY25 and $3 million over FY26–27.

City staff and the economic development manager presented options for the $5 million if the pool allocation were reduced or removed. Those options included: - Spalding (Southeast Industrial) infrastructure: partial funding of sewer and water extensions to support industrial development (staff estimated the sewer main extension at about $4.2 million and water main work in the $10–15 million range; staff said an EDA grant could provide partial support). - A housing development program and system development charge (SDC) buy‑down to reduce developer costs (staff recommended developing a program and suggested a potential allocation around $1 million to seed incentives). - Cave Man/Town Center Plaza (Caveman Plaza) downtown redevelopment or riverfront mixed‑use projects, both described as requiring longer term private‑public partnerships and higher levels of URA support. - Retaining the pool project in the plan but zeroing out the current budget or keeping the narrative in the plan for future use.

Financial and budget context Staff reminded council that URA allocations in the five‑year strategy are planning targets over the life of the 30‑year plan; the agency’s maximum indebtedness and allocations to other major items (housing, downtown improvements, water treatment plant payments) shape flexibility for reallocations. The city’s water treatment plant annual payment had previously been discussed as a long‑term obligation and staff said additional URA payments could reduce some pressure on rate increases.

Council response and direction Council members raised questions about the pool’s current condition and near‑term repair needs. Staff reported that the pool is operational but aging and may require frequent, small repairs; staff noted the pool opened later than planned because of a failed valve discovered after filling.

Several councilors expressed preference for delaying reallocation until council receives a fuller assessment of pool repair costs and a separate presentation on the Riverside caretaker’s cottage project. Councilor Kathleen and others supported directing some funds toward Spalding infrastructure but favored allowing more information from the pool workshop to inform a final decision. Multiple councilors asked staff to return with more detailed cost estimates and earlier presentations on the pool and the Riverside cottage before moving funds.

Outcome: Council deferred any permanent reallocation and directed staff to schedule follow‑up workshops on the Caveman Pool and the Riverside caretaker’s cottage; staff confirmed they would delay reallocation and return with the requested information. No formal vote was recorded; direction to staff was given by council consensus.

Ending: Staff said it will prepare the requested pool and cottage information and will not move funds until council reviews the additional materials.