Hartman New Interim City Manager, Does Southwest Pool Have a Future?

During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, the subject of public swimming pools came to light during the discussion of the Southwest Pool. Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba offered some numbers and statistics that actually paint a bleak picture for the future of public swimming pools.

Kashuba shared that Southwest Pool last year generated $13,000 dollars in revenue with an average of 25 visitors per day. Compared to other pools and splash pads, Southwest represents 6 percent of the overall city aquatic revenue taken in last year.

When compared to actual operating costs of more than $36 thousand, it begs the question should the city keep this pool open? Built in the late 60s or early 70s, the pool appears to have benefited from little, if any upgrading or maintenance.

With Mayor Cole Stanley absent and Councilman Don Tipps serving as Mayor Pro Tempore, council did approve Assistant City Manager Floyd Hartman as Interim City Manager at a salary of $245 thousand for the duration of his service in that position.