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Committee okays $1 million transfer from sinking fund to apply for Cato Park pool grant amid debate over park priorities
Summary
The finance committee approved transferring $1,000,000 from the sinking fund to provide the required local match for a $1,000,000 state grant for repairs to the Cato Park pool. Council members questioned prioritization of Cato over other pools (Canal City, North Charleston); staff said Cato has deed restrictions and is the city's most-used pool.
The City of Charleston Finance Committee on Jan. 20 approved a transfer of $1,000,000 from the city's sinking fund to the federal-grants fund to satisfy the local match requirement for a $1,000,000 state grant application to repair the Cato Park swimming pool.
Mr. Michaud told the committee that the sinking fund holds about $2.3 million and that the measure (resolution 26-13) authorizes moving $1,000,000 toward the grant match to allow the city to apply. He cautioned, "There's no guarantee of that, but we need approval just to apply." Staff said the transfer is an application prerequisite and that any remaining sinking-fund balance would be earmarked for nonfederal shares of the Capital Connector grant.
Several council members pressed staff on why Cato Park was prioritized over other city pools. One council member identified as Chad said he has repeatedly raised concerns about repairs at Canal City and South Park and asked whether the city had reviewed repair costs across all pools. Mr. Michaud and other staff replied that the city's consultant assessment estimated roughly $2,000,000 per pool (about $8,000,000 for four pools) and that Cato Park was prioritized because it already has deed restrictions required by the particular state grant, is the most-used pool per attendance records, and — staff said — would likely shut down first if further problems occur.
Councilmember Hebron noted limited resources and urged a strategic approach: "we have to be strategic, about where we spend that money and what's available." Other council members said they appreciated the explanation but expressed frustration about perceived long-standing delays at Canal City and other facilities.
Resolution 26-13 (transfer) and resolution 26-14 (authorization to apply for $1,000,000 in bonds with a $1,000,000 city match) were both approved by voice vote. Staff said the city is pursuing additional grant opportunities for the remaining pools and may stagger work by year to cover the required matches.
