A community divided over a pool

In the words of that iconic sitcom father, Frank Barone, “Holy crap, it’s hot!” I just got back from a ride in the Wrangler with the top down. I think I got too much sun. I could go dunk myself in our little pool in the back yard, but instead (at least for now), I’ve taken refuge in an air conditioned room in the house, to try to update you on the discussions about Le Roy’s community pool, as promised.

First, let's get this out of the way...Yes, we have a pool at my house. We purchased one from Target Memorial Weekend 2010 because it was really hot. After we purchased it, we learned that it required a 4-foot fence around it, no closer than 12 feet away and that the fence could not have any gaps big enough for a tennis ball to fit through. Whew, check! The house came with that. Oh yes, but we also needed electricity with proof that it was inspected and approved by a certified electrical inspector and an alarm on it. I think that covers the code, but please (now for the disclaimer) don’t quote me, you should really check with your local code enforcement officer because I think I forgot something in here and s/he would know much better than I. Welllllllllll, after the cost of the ditch-witch rental, the parts for the electric, the inspection, the alarm, the permit, and whatever else we had to do our $200 pool turned into about a $1,000 pool. I think it relevant to bring this up here because I saw in the Le Roy Pennysaver at the end of June a PSA by the Town reminding everyone of the codes involved with owning a pool. Not to sound too sarcastic (those of you who actually know me, know I am quite sarcastic), I wonder why there are fewer of these “inexpensive” backyard pools out than there were last year (or at least that’s my observation). Next disclaimer, this, of course, is nothing against the Town or any local government or code enforcement officer. I know from my experience that this is actually state code that is left upon local municipalities to enforce. They are just doing their jobs.

So, this blog is really about the Le Roy Community Pool that regional residents (from all over the area, not just Le Roy) raised funds to build a few decades ago. The pool has fallen into disrepair and was closed by the previous Village Board. My community is divided over what to do next.

On one side, are those who feel our taxes are too high (they are kind of high compared to the nation) and that we can no longer afford to pay for things like a community pool. Some of those on this side against it feel that it is used by a small number of people and that the rest of us should not have to pay for it. Also, there are pools in neighboring communities that we can use. There is also the issue of the recent property tax cap and how this might affect our ability to raise revenue in the future.

On the other side, are those who feel that a municipal pool brings a sense of community to an area and that such amenities may also attract new residents with families to purchase homes and move here. The community pool has been instrumental in teaching people how to swim over the years, and that’s a task of significant importance when you have a body of water running through your Town (used here because, after all, the Village is a part of the Town). It’s a place where people can go to cool off safely on a day like today. Recently there has been some publicity around people disappearing, almost drowning, or swimming near anglers in the creek. There may be some on this side who believe that if the pool were working these incidents would no longer occur. I’m not one of those; however, I do believe that if the pool were open there would be fewer incidents AND more people would know how to swim, hopefully reducing accidental drowning.

If you were at our Village Board meeting a few days ago, on Wednesday, July 13, you heard a letter read to everyone by Village Clerk/Treasurer Sharon Jeary from local attorney Mike Welsh. In the letter, Mr. Welsh outlined what needs to be done in order to bring the pool up to code and added a couple of bonuses (repairing a wall on the pool that has a crack in it and updating the bathroom/locker room facilities, neither of which are needed for code). A very generous local family has pledged $17,000 to our community to complete these repairs if the Village and Town make a commitment to maintain the pool after that. Many local contractors have volunteered their time, labor and supplies to complete this project. Many local people have volunteered to fund raise to keep the pool going so that the taxpayers are not burdened too heavily by it. You also heard members of the business community speak up in support of the plan and fundraising.

Recently our mayor gathered the figures for running the pool in its last two years of operation, 2007 and 2008. The Village paid for wages, benefits, equipment, permit, telephone, repairs, electric, heat, supplies, and insurance (property and liability) for a total of $26,231 and $37,513, each year respectively. The Town paid for a portion of the pool facilities, pool programs, American Red Cross, advertising, supplies, and pool employees, and were also responsible for the vending machine(s), for a total of $30,985 and $25,775, each year respectively. The pool was able to generate some revenue through memberships and swim lessons each year to reduce the grand total spent by taxpayers across both municipalities to $47,225 and $54,680 each year respectively.

Mike Welsh also outlined in his letter that he estimates it will cost $11,000 for yearly maintenance. There are many from the community who have stated at board meetings that they feel that a modest rise in membership fees would help significantly. There are also those who believe that a food stand would help in generating revenue, as it apparently does in other local areas. There are also many talented individuals living here who are willing to donate their time and supplies to help “spit shine” to make the pool look more aesthetically pleasing.

Again, it is no secret that I am one Village Board member in support of the Village running the pool. I believe it is our responsibility to ensure public safety through swim lessons and also to help provide a safe outlet for kids’ activities in the summer and after school. The pool would enhance our current outstanding recreation program. It is true that we do not have the tax base that we had in the past; much of our industry has closed or downsized, however, this should not be a barrier to our providing for our community (as has been suggested by some). In my humble opinion (OK, I really can’t do this without at least one more acronym), IMHO, it is up to us as a board and as a community to figure out how to capitalize on what we do have… which are, concerned and talented citizens who will donate time/effort/money, great shopping and restaurants, a nice village atmosphere.

Now that you have the monetary figures and a brief outline of both the argument and the remedy I hope that you will attend the Village Board meeting on Wednesday, July 27 at 7 p.m. to hear Mike Welsh and other community leaders speak in more detail about this proposal. I hope that you will speak up if you are able, no matter which side of the argument you are on, because I believe in democracy! Most of all, though, I hope that if you are in support of the pool you understand that your presence and your voice are greatly needed and ideas are always appreciated!

As always, and especially since this one is very long, thank you for reading! Thank you, Howard Owens, for hosting my blog.

Jennifer Keys

trusteekeys@rochester.rr.com