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Sherrill residents press commissioners to accept $2.6 million state pool grant; formal bond vote postponed
Summary
Residents urged the commission to accept a competitive New York State grant to renovate Sherrill Pool; officials said the city lacks the four votes needed tonight to approve borrowing and will bring a bond resolution at the next meeting.
Residents and pool supporters packed the Sherrill commission chamber to urge officials to accept a $2.6 million state grant and proceed with bond financing to repair the Sherrill Pool. "I came today to urge the commission to pass the bond for the Cheryl pool," said Lauren McDonald, a resident who spoke during public comment.
Officials explained the legal voting threshold required to approve borrowing: "Local finance law requires 0.667 of the board to pass the borrowing capacity for the city," a staff speaker said during the session. The mayor noted three commissioners were currently in favor and two opposed; with one opposing commissioner absent, the commission did not have the four votes needed and therefore did not take a final vote tonight.
Members of the public described multi-generational uses of the pool, the value of lessons and lifeguard training, and potential operational changes to increase usage and revenue. Mike Holmes, a longtime resident and former committee member, outlined the project’s finance structure and urged the commission to move forward to avoid jeopardizing future grant opportunities.
The commission directed staff to publish the full survey data publicly and the mayor said he intends to present a bond-financing resolution at the next meeting, giving residents another chance to speak in person before a formal vote.
