When I was kid growing up on 12th Avenue near Lake George, I frequented Municipal Pool. I was saddened when it was closed and torn down due to its age and condition. Whether or not we should have renovated it is a moot point - which brings us to today.
The voters passed a half-cent sales tax that was designed, in part, to fund a new year-round aquatic center. Approximately $10 million was supposed to be allocated to its construction over a 13-year period (might not be entirely correct on length, but it's not relevant to this post). With the economic collapse of 2008 / 2009, that amount will not be generated. In addition, the overall cost of an aquatic center is supposed to be around $20 million and that does not include operating costs - estimated to be nearly $2 million a year. The city has partnered with the YMCA to operate it.
My biggest open question about this project is the overall operating cost and what potential impact it will have on taxpayers. If the YMCA is unable to operate it or unable to meet the financial obligations of the center, will St. Cloud taxpayers be forced to cover those obligations? If not, would the center close, leaving a $20 million unused facility?
We've been struggling with tight budgets for the past several years and any additional pressures on the tax levy from this aquatic center may lead to cuts in other services, or increased taxes. I'd like to see this discussed and appropriate worst-case funding scenarios discussed before I'd offer my full support for the project. That's only fair to the taxpayers.
FYI - my primary concern / example comes from the Vadnais Sports Center.
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