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Rolla mayor outlines fast-track plan with Phelps Health while council adopts FY2026 budget
Summary
The Rolla City Council approved its FY2026 budget and a sewer fee increase, while the mayor detailed negotiations with Phelps Health to lease most of the recreation center and warned the city must act quickly to address the natatorium’s operating losses and capital needs before an April 2026 ballot decision.
Rolla’s mayor told the City Council on Tuesday that the city has a letter of intent with Phelps Health to lease most of the community recreation center — excluding the natatorium — and urged a compressed, 90-day community engagement process to decide whether voters will approve funding to keep the pool open.
The council approved the FY2026 budget, a $45 million spending plan that staff said includes a $2.5 million stormwater grant, expanded pavement work and a $404,100 allocation toward the recreation center. Darren, the city’s wastewater/engineering lead, also explained a separate ordinance raising the sewer availability fee from $13 to $14 per month.
"The natatorium is operating at an annual deficit of at least $200,000 a…
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