Thursday, March 28, 2024

Sink or swim

Public hearing set on the future of the pool

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Locals flock to the watering hole, Leavenworth Community Pool, to learn how to perfect their backstroke, let the little ones splash near and slide down the familiar frog and dive into the deep end to escape the sometimes, unforgiving heat. 

With lifeguards, classes, water aerobics open to the public and doubling as rentable facility for the next family barbecue, the Leavenworth Community Pool is designed to serve many members of its community, but needs funds to keep operating. 

In August 2018, The Upper Valley Parks and Recreation Service Area (PRSA) Board of Directors requested voters within the area to approve a six-year Operation and Maintenance property tax levy of 14 cents per thousand, which is a 3-penny increase -— up from 11 cents. 

However, at the Sept. 11 City Council meeting, Councilmember Mia Bretz reported that the Operations and Maintenance Levy had failed due receiving only 59.1 percent of the vote instead of the necessary 60 percent to pass the levy. So, the levy will be on the November ballot for voters, but no longer asking for the increase and instead remaining at $0.11. 

“So, we hope that our residents will learn about the PRSA and the levy and know more. And, I want to make sure our council knows we’re doing it again,” said Bretz at the Sept. 11 meeting.

Also during the meeting, Councilmember Clint Strand stressed the need to inform residents the possible outcome if the levy is voted down. City Attorney Tom Graafstra stated that in order for Council to take a position on the levy, there would need to be a public hearing in order to collectively decide on a resolution. 

“I think it’s really important people recognize the stakes — what happens if this gets voted down,” said Strand. 

During the Sept. 25 City Council meeting, the City Council set a public hearing for those within the area to volley pros and cons over the continuation of the Operation and Maintenance Levy. The public hearing, scheduled for Oct. 9 at 6:45 p.m., will give City Council the chance to weigh the public comments when deciding on the resolution of the PRSA proposition for the ballot. 

“Primarily, the number one reason for approval of the PRSA ballot is to keep the pool for the 2019 season,” said Joel Walinski, City Administrator. “Quite simply, if it doesn’t pass, I’m not sure what the options are but 60 percent of the operating budget does come from the levy and from the community, this area to support the operation of the pool.” 

The push for an increase in tax is in correlation to the pool’s age and the maintenance issues that formulate from the longevity of usage. 

According to documents from the PRSA, a portion of the funds will trickle into the cost of resurfacing the pool. As of right now, the Operation and Maintenance covers around 60 percent of pool maintenance and entrance fees and class fees cover about 40 percent. The community will have a chance on October 9, to discuss how to address the ongoing maintenance issues that seem to surface at the pool. 

“If the levy does not pass, the PRSA board of directors will have to consider if the pool will operate in 2019. The PRSA will still exist because we have a bond to pay off,” said Bretz. “The bond will be paid of by 2020 though, and that is when the interlocal agreement (and our formation) would expire. It is possible we could run the vote a third time next year as well.”

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