Rec board agrees to fund playground slide replacement if warranty does not cover it; pool manager pay increase tabled

The Eastern Weston County Recreation Board on Feb. 5 approved using recreation-district funds to replace an elementary playground slide if the vendor does not cover the cost under warranty, and tabled a separate request to increase the pool manager’s extra-duty pay until budget planning.

District maintenance staff reported a hole had developed in a set of playground slides and a vendor they contacted was trying to determine whether the damage could be covered under warranty. A district maintenance official estimated replacement of the slides would cost between about $17,000 and $25,100 if the vendor declined warranty coverage; the rec board voted to pay that amount from rec-district funds only if the warranty does not cover the work.

Separately, the board reviewed a request to increase the pool manager’s extra-duty pay to address new requirements from a recent state inspection. Staff explained the inspection increased record-keeping and chemical-testing frequency (chiefly chlorine and pH) and that certified pool-operator training is required to handle back-room chemical adjustments. Staff recommended tabling any pay increase recommendation and moving it into upcoming budget discussions so the district can evaluate funding across programs.

Rec board members also discussed practical details for public use of rec facilities during large events, including restricting access to weight rooms and gym floors and enforcing clean-up bonds for event vendors. The board and staff emphasized that capital replacements and warranty outcomes will determine whether major maintenance funds or the rec district will pay for equipment replacements.

The motion to fund slide replacement if not covered by warranty passed by voice vote; the pool-manager pay proposal was tabled for budget review.