Failed pool still making a splash

Turf wars, management issues cloud the future of swimming in Othello

OTHELLO — Much like a fish out of water, the issue of a new pool for this city keeps flapping about, splashing those who get near it and refusing to die.

The bond that was to pay for a new pool failed by three dozen votes this past election, a close defeat condemning Othelloans to live pool-less for at least a year.

Representatives from the Barracudas Swim Team pleaded to city authorities to do something to bring a pool to the city. Not only did the pool bond fail, but the existing Othello City Pool will not reopen next year.

"We need the assurance that having a pool is a priority," said Kristy Rattray, who added that not having a pool could have manifold consequences to the community.

Kids wanting to swim will seek out the river's edge, resulting in more casualties, she said. Those who don't will look for pools in other cities, resulting in a business drain for Othello, and on a death knell for the swim team.

"Going to Conell for one year is one thing," she said. "(Going for) more than two years is impossible."

Mayor Jeannie Sanders replied that the city council supports building a new pool, and said that this past election, the bond had failed by 36 votes.

Coincidentally, the bond stated that the cost per year would be about $36 per year per $100,000 of a house. However, Sanders said that unless the pool stays a joint effort between the county and the city, the cost is bound to go up.

The city and the county staying together is unlikely at the moment, though.

"I will need to be sold pretty hard on doing this with the county and the city again," said Doug Muscott, a member of the committee formed to support the bond.

The reason why people, including Sanders, do not believe that enough support was garnered in the county is the fact that the bigger the property, the higher its price, and the higher the amount in property taxes the owners will have to pay.

Plus, Muscott added, the bond stated that after 20 years, the pool would go into the city's hands, a deal that irked many in the county, who felt they were paying for the city's pool.

"This was our chance, and to make it happen, it's going to have to be a city issue," he said. "I don't think the city-county deal will ever fly."

Council member Eleanor Brodahl agreed, saying that the pool will only pass if it becomes a city-only issue.

If the pool becomes a city-only issue, citizens might not be willing to fork out the increased yearly cost, hence requiring authorities to lower the cost of the pool, currently set at slightly under $3 million.

"We are going to end up with a box pool again at $1.5 million," Muscott said after the meeting.

Sanders advised people to wait until warm weather is back and people are reminded of the need for a pool now that the city pool has been permanently closed.

"When it's hot, people who don't read the newspapers will know the pool is closed," she said.

Sanders added that there is no feasible way that the city can build this pool without going to the voters first. State and federal revenues are down, and cities statewide are cutting their budget up, including Othello.

Councilman Everett Cole said that the pool issue was not a matter of intent or desire, but instead, simply, "How on earth are we going to pay for this?"

Rattray retorted saying after the meeting that it was easy to look at the price and say that it can't be afforded. Nevertheless, she said, a pool is an investment for the future of the community.

"It makes me sad we look to today instead of tomorrow," she said.