Council approves West Park Pool management contract after detailed Q&A on staffing and costs

The DeRidder City Council voted to approve a concession and management agreement with Pool Management LLC to operate West Park Pool from May 24 through Aug. 31. Council members approved the motion by roll call after a public hearing and questions from the council.

The company’s local representative, who identified himself as Juel Cops, told the council the operator would open and close the pool, provide lifeguards, certify staff through American Red Cross protocols and supply a locally based pool manager while regional staff check operations twice weekly. "We would open the pool ... we would do the lifeguards as well — that's our main thing that we're here for," Cops said.

Council members pressed on costs and staffing. According to paperwork cited in the meeting, the city spent about $80,000 operating the pool last year (a speaker referred to "paperwork from Ashley" for that figure); council members asked whether gate receipts and concession income would offset the contract costs. Council members were told concession proceeds would be used to offset operating expenses.

The company said it recruits locally (schools, sports clubs and recruitment platforms) and that lifeguards test pH and chlorine hourly while certified pool operators handle chemical adjustments and equipment operations.

The motion to approve the pool-management agreement passed on a roll call with all present council members voting yes and one councilmember absent. The contract introduction and final approval were presented in open meeting; no public opposition was recorded at the hearing.

The council did not state specific annual contract cost in the public record during the discussion; contract details beyond the operational description were not specified during the meeting. Next procedural steps: the contract will be executed by the mayor and staff will proceed with the onboarding and certification schedule ahead of Memorial Day weekend.