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Susanville-area pool board adopts 2026-27 budget, flags boiler repair and funding gaps
Summary
The Honey Lake Valley Recreation Authority board approved a $290,500 revenue budget for 2026-27 with a projected $4,500 deficit, discussed a potentially costly boiler replacement and approved reimbursement of operating costs to the city; staff and candidates also pitched fundraising and partnership options.
The Honey Lake Valley Recreation Authority board voted to adopt the authority's 2026-27 operating budget and reviewed May financial statements Tuesday, while staff and board members raised concerns about an aging boiler system and ongoing operational funding gaps.
Dan, the authority's executive officer, presented the proposed budget, saying estimated revenues were about $290,500 and projected expenses $295,031, leaving an approximate $4,500 deficit for the pool operations fund. "It looks like... estimating revenues in the amount of $290,500, estimating expenses in the amount of $295,031 with an overall projected deficit around $4,500," Dan stated during the packet review.
Why it matters: The board relies on a mix of lesson fees, passes and reimbursements to cover operations; staff said May revenues were stronger than the same period last year but rising maintenance and chemical costs, plus an unresolved heating system, threaten the pool's financial stability.
Board members questioned specific cost drivers. One board member asked whether geothermal or natural gas heating would be cheaper; staff explained the facility's natural-gas boiler failed a few years ago and has not been replaced. Dan estimated a full boiler replacement would likely cost in the six-figure range. "I think we're looking at probably a $100,000 to $150,000 to replace the boiler," he said.
Staff reviewed the fund balances shown in the county-auditor statements: a sustainability fund with roughly $78,000 in cash, an improvement fund with about $26,000, and approximately $75,000 in the operations fund as a point-in-time snapshot. Dan said the sustainability and improvement funds are intended for capital repairs and improvements and would be considered if a boiler or other capital work were needed.
The board adopted resolution number 26-66 to approve the 2026-27 budget after the presentation and discussion. The motion carried.
The board also voted to receive and file the financial report covering April 1 through June 5 and approved reimbursement to the city for pool operating costs during that period; the amount recorded in the meeting transcript reads as $13,370.76 (transcription unclear), and staff will follow up with the invoice documentation.
What's next: Staff will continue monitoring revenues and expenses, pursue identified staffing and maintenance savings, and report back on any grant or capital options. The board also discussed exploring a community "Friends of the Pool" nonprofit and working with the high school swim team and local sponsors to diversify revenue.
At the meeting's end members thanked Dan for his service; he had announced it would be his last meeting as executive officer and staff said the city and authority will coordinate next steps for leadership and any interim coverage.
