Council hears plans for new community pool; parks group urges needs assessment and LEDC financing review

Council discussed a multi-pronged approach to a new community pool: Parks Project representatives urged a needs assessment and a data-driven site selection, and a public commenter outlined financing options including use of LEDC (type B EDC) sales-tax revenue bonds. A parks project representative said the group would gather data to present site options and cost estimates and recommended careful community engagement before choosing a final design.

Members raised constraints on site selection—Badu Park was frequently mentioned but several speakers noted much of that park is county-owned and in the floodplain, making it unsuitable without mitigation. Council discussed two possible RFQ approaches: (1) issue a focused RFQ with site and specs for a desired project, or (2) seek conceptual proposals and ideas from designers. Staff warned about the costs of construction administration and the importance of retaining engineering oversight: design and administration costs could run 8–12% of the project.

A public commenter recommended the council ask the Llano Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) to evaluate financing options, saying sales-tax revenue bonds (issued by a type B EDC) have been used locally to fund past projects. Councilmembers agreed that multiple funding sources—EDC, county, private donors and grants—should be explored rather than placing the full burden on a single entity. The council did not adopt funding actions but asked staff and volunteers to proceed with a needs assessment and community engagement.