Council declines $152,000 one‑time pool grant program

Councilmember Bowers introduced Proposal 10 to appropriate $152,000 from general fund reserves to Urban Development for a one‑time grant program enabling public pools to apply for funding. Bowers framed the proposal as a competitive, department‑administered process rather than a targeted award to a single operator.

"This doesn't direct it specifically to Metalane, but instead puts us through the grant process within the urban development department," Bowers said, describing safeguards such as criteria, matching funds, and existing departmental processes. Opponents, including Councilman Duden, said moving funds into a grant pool effectively subsidizes private nonprofits and risks a cascade of requests for taxpayer support. The clerk called the roll after discussion; the motion failed 3–4.

Because the amendment did not pass, the budget office will not include the grant program appropriation in the draft final budget prepared for third reading. Councilmembers indicated they could revisit aquatics funding through other line items already under consideration.