Outdoor Pool On November Ballot

The Nov. 2 general election ballot for residents of the city of Glenwood will include a $2.2 million bond issue referendum that would provide partial funding for the construction of an outdoor swimming pool and aquatic center adjacent to the Mills County YMCA.

    The Glenwood City Council agreed last week to put the long-discussed swimming pool matter in the hands of voters after hearing comments from Melissa Dean, chair of a citizens swimming pool committee, and councilman Craig Florian, also a member of the committee.
    Council members were presented a conceptual drawing of the swimming pool plans and information gathered by the pool committee, a 20- to 25-member group made up of both residents and non-residents of the city of Glenwood.
    The proposed 300-person pool would be built on the south side of the YMCA building and feature a zero-entry water area, lap pool and aquatic area with slides and other child-friendly features.
    “It would be a city pool just like Malvern’s, only a lot nicer,” Dean said. “A public pool managed by the YMCA.”
    The entire project would carry a price tag of approximately $3.5 million. Dean said the committee’s plan is to pursue the additional funding from a capital campaign, grants, Mills County local option sales tax revenue and townships.
    If constructed, the pool would be owned by the city and managed by the YMCA.
    The swimming pool bond issue needs a  60-percent “Yes” vote for passage. If approved, the the city would be allowed to issue general obligation bonds for a period of 20 years. The bond would be paid off by property taxes.
    The cost to property owners within the city limits of Glenwood is projected at  55 cents per $1,0000 valuation ($55 per year in additional taxes for owner of home assessed at $100,000).
    As part of the city council’s motion approved last week, the city would not issue the bonds until the swimming pool committee has secured the additional funds needed to carry out the project.
    In addition to putting the bond issue on the ballot, the council is also giving consideration to putting the Elm Street property that houses the city’s former outdoor pool up for sale. That matter will be discussed later this month.