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Residents press commission on pool funding, bonding and lifeguard training
Summary
Public commenters asked the commission when certified lifeguard instruction will be provided and raised questions about pool repair funding and whether borrowing would require a tax increase; officials said a $650,000 grant option would not require a dedicated tax levy, and the larger figure in the application was not pursued.
During public comment, two residents raised concerns about the city pool’s funding and lifeguard training.
Ray Kreski, who gave his address to the commission, asked when WSI/Red Cross lifeguard instruction will be provided and whether the city is offering the class to returning guards. Staff directed him to the pool contact, Barry, for scheduling details.
A second commenter identifying himself as Jeff questioned figures in the pool grant application and whether bonding would require a tax increase. Jeff cited a large figure printed in the application and asked why borrowing $650,000 would reportedly not require a tax increase while a larger bond would. The mayor and other officials responded that the commission pursued a $650,000 option tied to a grant and did not pursue the larger figure; they said the numbers in the application reflect different funding scenarios. The commenter concluded by accusing officials of misleading the public or the state; commissioners declined to resolve the discrepancy on the spot.
Officials did not provide a detailed breakdown of the larger figure during public comment; the transcript also contains numeric values that appear inconsistent (see audit notes). Staff asked residents to follow up with pool staff for training schedules and to allow staff time to check grant documents about borrowing and tax‑impact scenarios.
