City asks county for indoor pool funding
Higher fees paid by county residents to use McMinnville Civic Center could be a thing of the past if the county agrees to help fund a massive renovation project which will include two indoor pools, an elevator, new gym floor, an indoor walking track, and remodeled bathrooms.
In a letter from the Board of Aldermen and Mayor Royce Davenport to County Executive John Pelham and the Warren County Commission, the city is asking county government to consider helping fund the Civic Center project currently under consideration. In return, fees would be the same for all users of the facility.
The letter states:
‘The Board of Mayor and Aldermen for the city of McMinnville want you to consider entering into a joint partnership to stimulate the local economy. As everyone is aware, the Board has been moving forward with plans for an indoor aquatic center and much-needed renovations to the Civic Center. These projects have a pricetag of several million dollars. Final cost estimates are being prepared now. The city has already invested over $1.2 million for a geothermal system to help reduce energy costs while providing for more efficient heating and cooling. When this project was being discussed, the Board chose to make this investment in the Civic Center because of its importance to the community (Warren County).
The Civic Center has been a major part of our community since 1975. There have been no major renovations to the structure since it was built. The Civic Center was the site of many different entertainment options in the beginning. The years have taken their toll on the facility. There needs to be major work to improve the facility and make it amenable to current entertainment options.
Some of the renovations include: new flooring for the gym which will allow use without the blue tarps being taped down; an improved sound system so you can actually hear programs in the gym; a child care center to allow parents the opportunity to use the facility; an indoor walking track for use during inclement weather; new paint inside and out; remodeled restrooms; an elevator and more.
The indoor aquatic enter will have two pools, one for swimming and competition and the other for warm water therapy. The competition pool is being sized to host swimming meets which will bring swimmers and their families to the county. Hopefully, the school system will consider developing a swim team which could provide many opportunities to local students. The therapy pool will allow local citizens the opportunity to use the facility without having to drive out of town. The city is already discussing opportunities with the local healthcare community to utilize.
The city has stated that the pool must pay for itself. Annual operations and debt service must be generated from user fees. The capital needed for the renovations and construction should be a joint partnership between the city of McMinnville and Warren County. Over 65 percent of the users of the facility are non-city residents. There has been discussion over the split-fee system currently in place. Some county residents don’t understand that the county does not pay money for the operations and debt service for the Civic Center. Becoming a partner with the city could bring about discussions to eliminate the split-fee system.
The amount of work and materials needed for these projects would certainly have a positive economic impact on the county. Most of the work could be done by qualified local contractors and their employees. These projects would dump millions of dollars into the local economy. Please think about this opportunity to help positively impact the local economy and work together for a better future in our community.’