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Chase County commissioners signal support for Cottonwood Falls pool, offer demolition help
Summary
Commissioners agreed in principle to back a Cottonwood Falls public pool renovation and said the county could likely contribute in‑kind demolition work while stopping short of financial guarantees; staff will draft a support resolution and invite the project lead to present details at the next meeting.
The Chase County Commissioners indicated July 13 that they will support a community‑led effort to replace the aging public pool in Cottonwood Falls and are prepared to help with demolition as an in‑kind contribution.
Committee member (Speaker 3), who led the discussion, said the pool serves families across the county and noted about 170 children took swim lessons this year, with roughly 40 from nearby Emporia. "It's a county pool, really," the commissioner said, arguing the facility provides regional value and has "outlived its life." The group discussed the project's current financing, which Speaker 3 described as a loan backed by pledged funds from organizations and private donors.
Commissioners stressed they cannot act as a guarantor for loan financing but voiced support for a nonbinding board resolution endorsing the project. "I feel like we need to be maybe do a letter of resolution or something," Speaker 3 said, and asked staff to prepare language. Board members agreed demolition and limited site work appear to be reasonable in‑kind contributions; Speaker 3 said demolition would be "pretty easy" for the county to commit to.
The board also noted jurisdictional questions: the park was donated to the city, and operating responsibility will be determined as the rec commission finalizes leasing or management arrangements. Commissioners asked county staff to draft a proposed support resolution for the next meeting and recommended inviting the project lead, "Greg," to explain the timeline, budget details and specific requests for county help.
Next steps: staff will prepare draft whereas clauses and a resolution for commissioner review; the board will schedule a presentation by the pool project's representative at the next regular meeting.
