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Payson residents press council to revive Taylor Pool after bond defeat
Summary
Multiple residents urged the Payson Common Council to reopen options for rebuilding Taylor Pool after a voter rejection of a $16 million bond; speakers asked the council to consider grant funding, sponsorships and redirecting a portion of the 1% sales-tax revenue toward a lower-cost renovation.
Multiple residents who spoke during public comment at the Nov. 12 Payson Common Council meeting urged the council to restart the town’s effort to restore Taylor Pool after a bond measure was defeated. Darlene Yonker Delage told the council, “The vote count was 4,640 no votes and 1,456 yes votes,” and said the clear result requires leaders to “listen” and pursue alternatives that do not add new taxes.
Those who spoke asked the council to consider smaller, cost-conscious options rather than the $16 million bond the town previously proposed. Cynthia Stratton said she supports “reopening the matter concerning the rebuilding of Taylor Pool” and suggested exploring renovation options “for under $5,000,000” that could use grants, sponsorships and a portion of the town’s 1% sales-tax revenue earmarked for recreation.
The appeals emphasized the pool’s proximity to schools and the community benefits of a working municipal pool for swim lessons and meets. Judy Hansen told the council the children “need for Taylor Pool to be rebuilt to learn to swim,” and several speakers volunteered to assist with fundraising and planning.
Council staff confirmed the pool discussion was added to the December agenda as an item to give direction to staff on how council would like to proceed. The town manager noted the agenda item is intended to capture council preference — whether to pursue renovation of the existing Taylor Pool or other options — and to direct staff on next steps. No final decision or appropriation was made at the Nov. 12 meeting.
What’s next: The council scheduled a December agenda item to provide direction to staff on the pool. Residents and organizers told the council they will offer help identifying grants and private funding options prior to that discussion.
