Council supports $2.2M bond for pool
The City of Hartselle appears like it’s ready to decide its fate on its ailing 35-year-old pool.
At a city council work session Monday, the majority of the Hartselle City Council expressed support for replacing the pool for $2.2 million, which will be funded by a bond issue.
Mayor Dwight Tankersley said that the city council will need to act quickly if it wants to have the new pool ready in time for opening day next year, which is usually the Memorial Day weekend.
“After talking with Burleson Pools, we will need to begin architectural work on Wednesday if we want to have it ready by next pool season,” Tankersley said.
The council is considering the proposal at Tuesday’s (tonight’s) council meeting. The pool replacement will be considered along with the rest of the budget for 2011-2012. The new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.
Council President Kenny Thompson along with Councilmen Tom Chappell, Don Hall and Bill Smelser all expressed support for the project while Councilman Mark Mizell said he wouldn’t support it.
“I just can’t justify us spending $2.2 million on this pool when we have a number of other projects with higher priority on our list,” Mizell said. “If we have $2.2 million, I think we can make that money go a lot further.”
However, Chappell said he wouldn’t support a proposal just to repair the pool as it is.
“I don’t think we should spend $500,000 just for a Band-Aid on the pool,” Chappell said. “If we’re going to fix it, let’s do it right.”
Tankersley said the $2.2 million would be used to construct two pools, a competition pool with a diving well and a zero-entry recreational pool with splash pad amenities and a lazy river. He said the design is similar to Cullman’s outdoor aquatics center.
Tankersley added that there would be enough money to build a new bath house for the pool.
This year, more than 16,000 people went to the pool, according to Park and Recreation Director Frank Miller.
Tankersley said the city could pay for it using the money used to pay off a bond, which will be retired this year. He also suggested that the city raise its admission prices to help offset the cost of the bond issue.
“If we get a new pool especially like the one we’re proposing, we’ll get more visitors,” Smelser said. “I have a pool, but if there were splash pad amenities at this new pool, my grandkids will want to there.”
