Future of Decatur's pool still in question

— Is there enough money and community interest to justify keeping the Decatur city swimming pool open this summer?

City council members thought they settled the question by voting no to buying a $5,000 handicapped chair lift, now mandatory under new Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, at the February meeting.

Even though council members voted no to the additional expense, they encouraged Mayor Charles Linam to research any possible grants to cover the expenses of keeping the pool open.

At the March 12 city council meeting, Linam told council members he has applied for and is likely to receive a $3,000 grant towards the purchase of the chair lift. In addition, local musicians Carter Beggs and Cole Reeves have offered to host a fundraising concert to come up with the extra $2,000 needed for the lift. Beggs also works as a lifeguard at the pool.

Linam told the council that he would personally guarantee the $2,000 from the fundraiser, and said if the concert failed to raise the expected amount of money, he would pay the rest.

Operating costs for the pool would still be an estimated $6,000 and have been as high as $10,000 in the past.

The city’s budget is especially tight this year, according to Linam, and council members questionedwhether the city could afford to operate the pool at a loss.

Parks department manager Mike Barnett pointed out that the city has a number of services that cost about the same amount as the pool, including the cemetery, parks department and animal control.

“None of them make any money, they are just a service. Is (the swimming pool) a service you want to take away from the town?” he asked.

Councilwoman Gina Holt said she has talked to several citizens and all of them want to keep the pool open.

“Our town is only as good as we make it. If we shut everything down, we won’t have a town,” she said.

Holt pointed out that many people are not even aware Decatur has a swimming pool and suggested more publicity for the pool, like a sign at the intersection of Main Street and Roller Avenue.

“We don’t have a community center, there is nothing for kids in this town. I really feel that we need to do something for the kids,” Holt said.

Councilwoman Sandy Duncan said she would rather see the city develop something, such as a splash park, at Veterans Park.

Councilman David Sutton suggested that community members who would like to keep the pool open should come to the next city council meeting, scheduled for April 9, to voice their opinions.

Water department manager Rocky Mills said the pool could still be opened this year if the council makes a final decision by the April meeting.

News, Pages 8 on 03/21/2012