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Residents urge council to fund Krug pool, debate YMCA partnership; volunteer seeks TNR funding
Summary
During public comment, residents urged city leaders to invest $7,000,000 in Krug pool rather than partner with the YMCA, disputed higher cost estimates, and a volunteer asked the council for dedicated funding for a trap-neuter-return program while staff said the ordinance exists but has no current funding.
Public commenters at the May 20 St. Joseph City Council meeting pressed the council on recreation and animal-services funding, with sharp differences over whether the city should invest in its outdoor Krug pool or contract with the YMCA, and a separate request for funding for a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program.
Donna Lickdee of 5509 South 30 Ninth Terrace told the council she wants the city to "consider putting that 7,000,000 into Krug pool instead of giving it to the YMCA," arguing that public tax dollars should be used to modernize the city's outdoor pool for local children and families rather than directing money to a large nonprofit. She said volunteers prefer a modern, attractive outdoor pool and that the community has only one outdoor pool remaining.
Lynette Strow, another resident, pushed back on dramatic cost estimates, saying a new pool would not cost $50 million and noting local schools rely on regional pools for swim meets. She added that the YMCA already offers financial assistance to users and questioned whether a seasonal pool used primarily in summer is a poor long-term investment.
Mardell Barber, a lifelong resident and small-business owner who said she operates a 501(c)(3) and runs volunteer TNR work, told the council she and other volunteers trap and neuter cats but need more funding to expand operations. "I do have a 501C 3... I just need more funds to make it, put a bigger dent and make it actually help in our town," Barber said.
City staff responded to Barber's remarks: the City Manager acknowledged an ordinance authorizing TNR was approved but said there is currently no dedicated funding and that the animal shelter will continue to monitor grant opportunities. That exchange was the only direct staff response recorded in the meeting transcript on these public-comment topics.
Why it matters
Funding decisions for pools and partnerships with organizations such as the YMCA affect local access to recreation, swim instruction, and youth sports, while a funded TNR program would change how the city addresses stray and feral cat populations. Each carries budget implications and trade-offs the council may revisit in upcoming budget and work-session discussions.
What comes next
Council did not take action on pool funding during the meeting. The TNR ordinance referenced by staff remains in effect but without dedicated city funding; staff said they will continue to seek grant opportunities and any small allocations that may arise.
