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County attorney tells council new state law lets municipalities set local pool‑inspection rules
Summary
The county attorney advised the council that a recent change in state law removes the statewide pool‑certification program and gives local governments authority to set inspection and certification rules, effective in mid‑July; councilors discussed training, fees and whether parks staff have certifications.
County Attorney Corey told the council that a recent state legislative change removes the central state certification requirement for pool inspections and delegates authority to local governments to set inspection standards, certification processes and fees.
Corey said the statute takes effect in mid‑July (transcript references July 18) and that certificates issued under the old law will remain valid until they lapse. "The local government gets to decide" how to handle inspections under the new law, Corey said, and that the council could consider having the town perform inspections, partner with nearby municipalities, or retain the local health board for the work.
Councilors and staff discussed minimum standards, training resources from the state league and whether parks staff already hold relevant certifications. Speakers noted the statute allows local fee setting with no statewide cap, raising concerns about potential local fee variability and fiscal impacts. Staff said a few parks employees hold pool operator certifications but that the requirements for municipal inspection programs differ from water‑distribution licenses.
Corey recommended the council discuss options and consider whether to develop local inspection capacity, arrange training, or collaborate regionally; no formal action was taken at this meeting other than directing follow‑up discussion.
