Columbus council weighs pool repairs, boiler costs and splash-park alternative

Council members and staff held an extended discussion about the community pool during non-agenda comments at the Jan. 21 meeting, but took no formal action.

Peyton (staff member) said bids for a new boiler had been solicited and reported one boiler option priced around $75,000; however, contractors had not yet submitted bids for piping or excavation work. Peyton said he expected some contractors to visit the site soon and planned to gather concrete numbers for the full repair scope.

Council members and staff emphasized uncertainty around total costs. One council member noted that comparable renovations in nearby communities had reached significantly higher figures; another said the pool had been a recurring budget drain and that some municipalities have closed pools and installed splash parks instead.

Council discussion covered procurement requirements (public bidding thresholds), the availability of local contractors, and the option of transitioning to a splash park as a lower-cost, lower-maintenance alternative. A council member noted the city has a pool-renovation fund with approximately $72,000, which could cover a boiler purchase but not a full piping and excavation project if total costs approach the higher estimates.

No votes were taken. Council members asked staff to obtain additional bids and more detailed cost estimates and to return with recommendations; councilors also discussed timelines, seasonal impacts on pool availability, and the public-bidding process for major repair work.

The council adjourned after the pool discussion and remaining routine business.