City Council increases pool budget by about $500,000

CHENEY – The City Council approved spending an additional $464,750 plus tax on the planned municipal aquatics center.

The total allocation, previously $11.4 million, now nears $12 million.

The decision on the increased allocation came after discussions about six proposed additions from Walker Construction, the contractor on the project.

Initially, the city had 45 days to decide whether to incorporate six additional items totaling $686,025.

After consideration, the council decided to approve four items.

Council members excluded a pool ultraviolet disinfection system and metal roofing, which they deemed unnecessary.

The approved additional items include:

• Mini Ninja course for $108,800.

• Second slide flume for $311,500.

• Epoxy flooring for $33,000.

• Photovoltaic array for $11,450.

These costs, exclusive of sales tax, were not covered by the previously approved bond.

As a result, the council had to identify alternative funding sources, opting to use Park Mitigation Funds and excise tax revenue from new home sales.

Park Mitigation Funds are contributions from developers when they build housing units in the city,; they are intended specifically for park capital expenses. These funds must be used within six years or be returned to developers.

The city currently has $350,000 in these funds, with $250,000 needing to be utilized by the end of this year and the remaining $100,000 by the end of next year.

The excise tax fund, generated from real estate sales within the city, also supports park capital expenses, but has no usage deadline.

The council agreed to us the full $350,000 from the Park Mitigation Funds and cover the remaining cost with excise tax funds.

To ensure future funding availability, the council inquired about the anticipated replenishment of the funds.

Public Works Director Todd Ableman indicated that developers typically build about 20 homes per year in the city, and apartment construction is expected to continue, which will help replenish the funds.

A council member expressed concern about whether the Parks and Recreation Department would still have access to funds for future capital and other expenses.