Thursday, October 11, 2012

Park City leaders voted, 7-1, to close the swimming pool as one of the ways to balance their budget.

"The council is behind this pool as an asset but, at this point, it's an asset that is costing more money," said Emil Bergquist, mayor of Park City.

Bergquist said the public pool at McLean Park was costing the city between $50,000 to $70,000 in additional costs over revenues to operate. In the past decade, the city spent more than $200,000 to update the pool for ADA compliance.

"We considered the possibility of actually bringing it to a vote, but that's an April issue. If it comes to a vote by the will of the people, that's fine too," said Bergquist.

The city was facing a $776,000 budget deficit. In addition to closing the pool, seven employees in administration and public works were laid off and pay raises for 2013 were canceled.

"The primary responsibility right now is to bring revenues and expenses into alignment with each other, so that we're working with a responsible budget," said Bergquist.

Residents were sad to hear their local pool would be closing. They will have to visit neighboring communities like Valley Center to use their public pool next summer.

"I'm sure some of them will go over there. I really hope Park City can find the money and get their pool opened again because I think it's important for those people, the quality of life in a community," said Steve Geddes, Valley Center Recreation director.

Officials said the pool will not be destroyed or filled in. They expect to maintain the pool for future usage.

The pool is officially closed for the 2013 season.