City Administrator Chad Baugh told the commission Dec. 15 that a community survey found 79% of respondents consider a pool important, but only 58% supported the joint school–city proposal as initially framed.

“That provided us a great talking point that our citizens want a pool, but the appetite for paying for one is what we have to find right now,” Baugh said, adding that operating a pool is a long-term commitment that requires a sustainable funding plan.

Why it matters: Baugh described pool ownership as a decades-long commitment and said the current joint proposal is not in a position to be placed on the ballot. Commissioners discussed options ranging from a modest outdoor pool focused on providing swim opportunities for children to a larger competitive complex that could cost tens of millions.

Commissioners also linked pool planning to other recreation and infrastructure priorities. One commissioner raised the Kiwanis Trail and long-term bridge maintenance; Baugh said the city engineer’s estimate for bridge repairs could be about $2,000,000 and suggested phasing repairs over time.

Next steps: staff and the newly-appointed parks and recreation director will continue planning, refine cost estimates and look for a funding strategy before bringing a specific ballot proposal or other recommended action back to the commission.