Ulster County committee approves major pool renovation after debate over cost and funding

The Ulster County Public Works & Capital Projects Committee voted 4–3 on July 6 to adopt a capital project authorizing a comprehensive renovation of the county pool in New Paltz, moving a multi-contract program forward after weeks of staff briefings and public presentations.

The project is supported by a $3.9 million state award from the SWIMS program and includes a zero‑entry access, upgraded filtration sized for the Olympic pool, a splash pad and substantial bathhouse rehabilitation. Deputy County Executive LaValle told the committee the design phase is about 95% complete and that delaying work would likely increase the total cost and jeopardize grant timing.

At a committee presentation, LaValle said the SWIMS grant covers a large portion of the core scope but that adding the bathhouse and accessibility upgrades raised the estimate from a previously cited $5.5 million to roughly $11 million. "If we wait, we will almost certainly be paying more and risk losing the economy of a single mobilization and the grant alignment we have now," LaValle said.

Chief Diversity Officer Dina Suggs described accessibility benefits the design adds, including an accessible zero‑entry approach, family‑use restrooms and adult changing tables. "These upgrades make the pool welcoming and usable for children, seniors and people with disabilities," Suggs said.

Opponents expressed concern about the timing and scope. Legislator Briggs questioned why the project budget more than doubled from earlier estimates and urged consideration of postponement until the regular budget cycle. "At a time when the county is facing budget pressures and hiring freezes, adding a multiyear debt obligation deserves more analysis," Briggs said, explaining his No vote.

Committee members pressed staff on funding scenarios. Budget staff and the deputy executive said the county has a $1 million contingency in the proposed budget and is applying to Empire State Development for an additional $500,000 that would reduce the county share. Staff offered illustrative debt‑service estimates for a 20‑year bond with interest rates in a 3–4% range, producing annual payments roughly between $382,000 and $475,000 depending on final terms.

Members also asked whether energy and operational savings — such as more efficient pumps, variable frequency drives and potential solar canopies for the parking area — could be funded from the county's decarbonization fund. LaValle said the HVAC mini‑split work (about $170,000) is a good near‑term candidate for decarbonization funding but cautioned those savings would not close the entire budget gap.

After debate and a failed motion to postpone consideration, the committee adopted the capital project. The committee also moved a block on the implementing contract resolutions so that contract approvals will be considered in a subsequent step and to allow staff to supply additional cost‑savings estimates and grant updates.

Next steps: staff said they will provide more detailed operational savings estimates, contingency‑use scenarios, and any ESD funding decisions at the next committee meeting. The project schedule aims to complete work between seasons to restore full pool service for residents.

Provenance: Topic introduced in committee packet and presentation (topicintro: SEG 463) and final adoption recorded in roll call (topicfinish: SEG 1821).