Holyoke council approves $48,596 transfer to pay overdue pool water bill, clearing way to open pool

The Holyoke City Council on June 3 approved a $48,596.14 transfer from Pei Highway HMEO to parks, water and sewer to pay an outstanding water bill for the city pool, a step councilors and parks staff said was necessary to open the pool for summer operations.

The transfer request, filed by Councilor Devine and taken up out of order at the meeting, passed on a roll‑call vote. The city clerk read the order into the record as a transfer of $48,596.14; the council then voted to adopt the request.

Why it matters: Parks staff and councilors said the payment is needed immediately to allow pool staff to prepare and to avoid disrupting scheduled programming. Maura Shea, identified herself at the meeting as working with the parks department, told the council she had organized pool passes and asked members to “consider line 40 to move that budget over to open our pool.” Shea said the parks department hoped to open the pool by June 23 and that paying the outstanding charge was necessary to do so.

Councilor Jourdain, speaking during debate, confirmed the transfer addressed an overdue bill and said the council should expect a follow‑up review. “Why do we have to pay $48,000 to open the pool? … it turns out, as I understand it, the city hasn't been paying its water bill to the water department for the pool,” Jourdain said. He added the council would “have to do a post mortem later” to determine how the amount accumulated and to prevent a recurrence.

Council discussion and action: Councilors expressed support for paying the debt so pool operations and lifeguard hiring could proceed. The council first passed the first and second readings of the transfer and then adopted the order by roll call. The clerk announced the measure passed and the transfer was approved at the meeting.

Next steps: Councilors said they expect staff and relevant departments to provide additional details after the meeting about how the bill accrued and whether the amount reflects a single season or multiple years. The council did not set a formal deadline in the motion for that follow‑up report.

Votes at the meeting: The clerk conducted a roll call vote on item 40; the council approved the transfer. (See separate votes summary.)

Community context: Councilors emphasized the urgency for pool users and seasonal staff. Parks staff attending the meeting thanked the council after the vote, and several councilors encouraged a prompt review so similar issues do not delay service in future seasons.