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Prescott Valley council tables decision on proposed aquatic and recreation facility, requests community polling
Summary
The council deferred action on a Citizens Recreation Facility Advisory Committee recommendation after members raised concerns about scope and funding. Council asked staff to conduct public polling and return the item to a Dec. 3 study session for further discussion.
The Prescott Valley Town Council on Oct. 23 voted unanimously to table a resolution accepting the Citizens Recreation Facility Advisory Committee’s recommendation for a new aquatic and recreation facility, directing staff to run targeted public polling and return the item to a Dec. 3 study session.
The committee presented a package of proposed amenities and a funding plan that would rely on a dedicated transaction‑privilege tax (TPT) increase to cover debt service and operations. "This essentially gives us a basis for moving the project forward," Barton, a town staff member summarizing the committee’s work, told the council.
Council members raised several concerns during more than an hour of discussion. Vice Mayor Sircher said the committee’s scope was "too narrow" and warned the council was placing heavy reliance on a single funding approach: "Suppose this gets to the ballot next year. What if it doesn’t pass? We’re back to square one without any other alternatives or options on the table," he said.
Councilwoman Miller asked whether the committee had polled younger households and other demographic groups. Barton replied the committee had reviewed prior surveys but agreed to conduct an additional, targeted survey within the next month to capture missing demographic response.
Town Manager Davidson noted that the committee’s original plan with a YMCA partner had removed the pool because of cost and that a standalone aquatic facility would require new, dedicated revenue to cover debt service. He said the committee’s recommendation would allow staff to refine scope, cost estimates and site plans with an architect and pre‑construction team if the council ultimately moves forward.
Councilmembers asked staff to use the town’s recently procured public‑opinion contractor for polling and to extend public outreach. A motion to table and bring back the item for a Dec. 3 study session passed unanimously.
Next steps identified by staff include drafting polling questions for council input, running a community survey within about 30 days, and using results to inform design, cost estimates and potential ballot timing. Barton said a decision to call an election would likely have to be made in the spring for any November ballot measure.
