Adrian officials: survey shows support for a pool but commission won’t put joint proposal on ballot now
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Summary
A city survey found 79% of respondents said a community pool is important but only 58% initially supported the joint school–city proposal; the city administrator said the current proposal is not ready for the ballot and staff will continue planning and coordination with the school district and parks staff.
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.