The Centralia Pool Committee has finalized its recommendation to the city council on whether the city should construct a new outdoor pool.
Economic Development Director Derek Sherman helped finalize the conclusion Tuesday night that will be presented at the December 28th city council meeting.
“Recommending to halt any further proceedings on the construction of an outdoor aquatic facility until more financial resources are available or until citizens express a willingness to increase taxes to help pay to build and maintain it.”
The decision came after the committee once again reviewed the results of a survey of residents that showed they preferred the most expensive $9-million pool, didn’t want a splash pad, and with the majority not wanting to raise sales or property taxes to pay for it. Sherman also noted there was no available money in the city budget to pay the cost. Councilman Barri Allen, who was the city council representative on the committee, said with the construction of the new water treatment plant pending the city also had to be careful about not reaching their capacity to issue bonds.
Committee member Stephanie Perez noted the city still had another pool.
“If we didn’t have the Rec Center we would be in a much different position. We do have somewhere where the kids can get swim lessons in town. Every 2nd-grade class goes there to get swim lessons, and every 5th-grade class in Centralia goes there to learn water safety. I do feel like the community is being provided for in that area.”
Perez feels there has also been a change with the large number of backyard pools that have been installed in recent years.
The committee also noted South Central Transit runs busses between Salem and Mt. Vernon that make a stop at the aquatic centers in the two neighboring cities for those who want an outdoor pool.
Other members felt if they proceeded with the low-end $3-million pool it would have the same problem as the old pool and not be utilized. The committee also noted they had looked at refurbishing the old pool, but learned it would cost $ 6 million in renovation costs. The old pool has since been demolished.
The pool committee met for just over a year since its appointment. All the members initially came on board wanting a new outdoor pool, but say the facts of what they learned showed at present a new pool was not feasible. The committee will disband now that it has completed its work.
