Brookings council OKs six-month pool season extension, authorizes $10,000 winter payment to operator

The City of Brookings on Feb. 10 authorized the city manager to extend the municipal pool management agreement with South Coast Community Aquatics to a six‑month season in 2025, approving up to $150,000 in city support. The council also approved a separate $10,000 final payment to SCCA to cover winter pilot expenses from the 2024 season.

The extension follows a memorandum of understanding the city entered into in spring 2023 with SCCA to operate the municipal pool and evaluate longer seasons and alternative management structures. City staff reported the 2024 contract budgeted $80,000 for the three‑month season and that SCCA is seeking an $88,000 baseline for the standard three‑month season and an optional six‑month budget totaling $150,000 if May and September–October are added.

SCCA president Val Erling told the council the volunteer organization encountered higher propane costs than anticipated during the winter pilot and requested the city release a previously approved $10,000 buffer for winter expenses. "We encountered much higher propane costs than we anticipated," Erling said, adding SCCA has applied for grants and engaged a local grant writer to cover part of the request and that the group is seeking a more experienced manager to run expanded operations.

Public commenters, including several residents and former lifeguards, urged a longer season. A written comment from Phoebe Skinner of Gold Beach said: "I strongly urge the council to consider expanding the swimming pool season. Doing so would offer more opportunities for community engagement, health, education, and pride." Other residents cited swim training for youth, rehabilitation and senior exercise, and Coast Guard training needs.

Councilors and staff discussed funding options. Staff said the additional $62,000 (the difference between $88,000 and $150,000) could be addressed during the upcoming budget process and that the city could reallocate funds to cover the request. Council members noted SCCA's reported increase in revenue and grant fundraising: staff cited a 57% increase in core revenue year‑over‑year and a 283.85% increase in donation and grant receipts compared with the prior fiscal year.

Several councilors encouraged staff to pursue state grant opportunities, including a State Parks recreation facility grant cycle that opens April 1 and awards roughly $28 million statewide. Councilor discussion noted such grants typically provide up to 60% of project costs with a 40% local match and that preparing a grant application for a covered/enclosed pool would take additional planning and design work.

Council action: the motion to authorize the six‑month extension and associated city funding passed. A separate motion to process the $10,000 final payment for the 2024 winter pilot also passed.

Why it matters: The extension aims to expand swim instruction, youth programs and year‑round exercise and therapy opportunities while keeping management and operating costs largely off city staff. SCCA said it is actively seeking grant funding but needs a city backstop to commit to staffing and longer hours in 2025.

Implementation notes and next steps: SCCA will continue grant applications and finalize its financial audit for 2024. City staff said the request will be considered within the city's 2025 budget process and that any unused funds previously provided would be returned to the city under the existing partnership practice.