Mayor’s Message
Aquatic Center
Welcome to what I hope will become a regular message from the Mayor to you our citizens. It is my intent to provide city information on a regular basis. The range of items to be discussed is anything that pertains to our city. Your one click away from being informed on several topics.
The first topic is a deep subject, our Aquatic Center. Last year City Council approved money for a study on where our pool is as an entity and what improvements must be done to keep it operating at a high standard. The facility is over 40 years old and was built in the early 1970’s by King County. In February 2003 the City Council placed on a Special Election ballot a Levy in the amount of $0.16/$1,000 of assessed valuation. It passed with over 87% approval.
The City of Enumclaw accepted the transfer from the County in April 2003, as well as the golf course. It was anticipated at that time that revenue from the golf course would sustain the expenses at the pool. Starting in 2017 the amount of General Fund money transferred out for the expenses of the pool, had increased beyond the $0.16/$1,000 of assessed value.
The pool evaluation which has been submitted to the city and city council, has identified an estimated total of $463,000 of maintenance and improvements. It did not address every aspect of the pool building.
The next steps in determining what direction our community should move on the pool improvements and long term financial stability has been taken. A seven member Citizens Advisory Committee for the Aquatic Center (CAC) has been assembled with a cross section of citizens that live both in the city limits as well as outside the city limits. They are being tasked with review of the pool evaluation, how to best fund the pool improvements recommended by the evaluation and what is the best way to fund a long term solution for the pool’s revenue stream for the next generation.
The CAC is meeting on Thursday, February 22 to begin the month’s long task of providing City Administration and City Council with recommendations. I encourage all interested citizens to provide feedback and stay engaged as the CAC proceeds with this important research.
On Monday, March 5 starting at 6 PM the City Council will have a Workshop with the pool being the only topic. Mark your calendars to become more informed as this issue begins the process.
Open House & Coffee with the Mayor
An invitation is extended to all citizens to attend an Open House & Coffee with the Mayor at City Hall. The event is scheduled for Monday, March 5 from 8:30 – 10 AM in Council Chambers. Take this time to meet the Mayor and discuss any city issues and topics.