Longstanding users and residents pressed the Borough of Northampton council on the future of the Northampton Memorial Pool on Tuesday, prompting council members to direct staff to try to ready the facility for the 2026 season.

Several residents described years of personal ties to the pool and urged the borough to keep it open. “I still go to the pool, so I guess I would be considered a pool regular,” said Ron Newhart, who told the council he has used the pool since infancy and that it provides social and therapeutic benefits to seniors. Resident Kathleen Krahoski asked whether a final vote would occur that night; a staff member replied that the item was “on the agenda for consideration” and that any formal vote might occur later.

Council members debated the pool’s history of operating losses and staffing challenges but repeatedly emphasized attempts to save it. “If there’s anything we can do to save it, we should do that,” said Trevor Stone, adding that the pool has long been a community asset. Mayor Tony Kristat framed the choice as a quality‑of‑life decision versus a recurring financial obligation and said the borough had previously found ways to fund similar amenities.

Officials and members of the public discussed repair estimates and operating scenarios. One speaker referenced repair work up to about $96,000; staff also earlier described a rough minimum repair estimate of around $100,000 when asked by a resident about costs. Council and staff repeatedly cautioned that reopening would not guarantee long‑term financial sustainability and would likely require continued attention to attendance and lifeguard staffing.

An unidentified council official told the meeting the borough is not soliciting or administering public donations: “We are not doing a GoFundMe. We are not this council and the borough is not raising money… We are not allowed by law to raise money for this pool,” the official said, asking residents not to represent private solicitations as borough‑authorized.

After hearing public testimony and internal discussion, council members said staff should begin work toward reopening if the general consensus held. Staff described multiple scenarios under consideration — full repairs and opening, a temporary closure to pursue grants, or phased work — and said the borough had budgeted for some work but could not promise future outcomes. The discussion concluded as a nonbinding direction to staff rather than a formal vote.

What happens next: staff will begin the practical steps to assess parts, timing and grant opportunities for a 2026 opening and will report back to council. The council emphasized that any formal funding changes or commitments would follow further review and, where required, a formal vote.