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Thomasville approves financing and $6.46M construction contract for new aquatics center; reserves to cover shortfall
Summary
The council approved a $6.1 million financing agreement and accepted a $6,462,452 base bid from Wharton‑Smith for the Thomasville Aquatics Center, authorizing use of Recreation Reserve funds to cover the gap and the first year’s note; both actions were unanimous and contingent on LGC approval and a project ordinance.
Thomasville’s City Council approved financing and a construction contract that clears the way for a new municipal aquatics center, while agreeing to use local reserve funds to cover the difference between the loan and the low construction bid.
City Finance Director Thomas Avant told council the city negotiated a Pinnacle Bank installment financing proposal with a not‑to‑exceed principal of $6.1 million at 1.7% interest for a 15‑year term. Avant said the Pinnacle proposal yields total debt service of $6,935,076 and that annual debt service costs are fully funded by the three‑cent property tax set‑aside for recreation. “Annual debt service costs are fully funded by the 3‑cent property tax set‑aside for recreation purposes,” Avant stated.
At a July 20 bid opening the low base bid for construction was $6,462,452 from Wharton‑Smith, higher than the approved loan amount. City Manager Michael Brandt explained staff recommended using the Recreation Reserve Fund — including roughly $73,000 carried over from the prior fiscal year — to pay the difference between the loan and the base bid and to cover the first year’s payment. Brandt also said staff will pursue grants from local foundations to help fund three bid alternates left out of the base acceptance: a picnic shelter, a multi‑use path from Salem Street to June Street, and Stadium Drive improvements.
Brandt outlined the project scope that will proceed with the accepted base bid: the pool, splash pad, zero‑entry area, slide, climbing wall, a building with multipurpose rooms opening onto the pool deck, Council Chambers space within the facility, and a foundation designed to allow a future roof. He described an 11‑month construction timeline that could lead to a targeted opening by July 4, 2022 if the LGC approves financing on its August schedule and the contract closes as planned.
Council voted unanimously 7‑0 to adopt the financing resolution authorizing the installation financing documents and to accept Wharton‑Smith’s base bid, but the contract award includes two explicit contingencies: (1) Local Government Commission approval of the $6.1 million financing proposal and (2) the city’s subsequent adoption of a project budget ordinance after loan closing. Council Member Joe Leonard moved to accept the base bid only, with those two contingencies; Council Member Pat Shelton seconded. The motion passed 7‑0.
The council recorded specific budget guidance: no contingency was included in the base bid, so City staff will retain reserves for unforeseen costs. Finance Director Avant warned there may be additional unforeseen expenses and advised keeping funds available in the Recreation Reserve rather than using the full reserve on alternates.
If the contingencies are satisfied and the contract is executed, staff expects to proceed with construction and return to the council with any recommended budget amendments at the August briefing.
