Annapolis finance committee approves $17,420 pool maintenance transfer, praises pool staff

The City of Annapolis Finance Committee approved Fund Transfer FT-625 on Jan. 22, 2025, moving appropriations into a contractual services account to cover routine pool maintenance and related costs.

Rosalind Johnson, identified herself as director of recreation and parks for the City of Annapolis, told the committee the transfer would move $17,420 from a pool contractual account and an additional $17,780 from supplies and other accounts into the contractual services account to cover routine maintenance. She also commended Jennifer Rafique, the city’s pool manager, for operating two pools this past summer and for running concessions in-house after the city did not renew its concessionaire contract.

Committee members asked about plans to operate the Harbor Housing (HACA) pool next summer and about lifeguard recruitment. Johnson said the decision to operate the HACA pool next season depends on funding from the mayor and council; the Recreation Department has requested funding in its budget and has already contacted HACA about continuing to operate the pool. She said the department has taken steps to recruit lifeguards year-round, including outreach at teen nights, partnerships with local pediatricians, providing swimming classes, and reimbursing lifeguard certification costs.

Aldermen moved and seconded approval of FT-625 and the committee approved the transfer by voice vote.

The transfer is limited to implementation (maintenance and contractual services) and does not fund planning work, Johnson said. The committee did not request further analysis; the motion passed by voice vote.