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Council discusses pool oversight, Friends of the Pool and levy timing ahead of audit
Summary
Councilors discussed increasing community oversight of the city pool, re-engaging Friends of the Pool for fundraising and sponsorships, and the mechanics and timing of any levy renewal or increase; staff said a pool audit and levy work sessions are scheduled early next year for further action.
Councilors discussed whether the Parks & Recreation Board should take a larger oversight role for the municipal pool and how to make the pool more financially sustainable.
Councilor Sims proposed assigning additional roles to the Parks and Rec Board and re-energizing Friends of the Pool to pursue sponsorships, grants and fundraising so the pool relies less on a roughly $150,000 annual general-fund subsidy cited in discussion. Staff said Friends of the Pool remains active, that high-school swim teams are an important revenue source, and that a pool audit and a levy work session are planned in January and February that will provide numbers and options for council consideration.
Councilors debated whether increasing the levy amount would be treated as a new tax (and require different ballot language) versus a simple renewal. Staff said small adjustments to levy amounts change the legal classification and would require different public-notice steps. Councilors agreed to review the audit results and develop a plan for sponsorships, optional cuts, or levy proposals for the next budget cycle.
Next steps: staff will present the pool audit and a levy discussion at upcoming meetings; councilor-initiated discussions with Friends of the Pool and a potential community engagement plan were proposed.
