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| La Cygne Pool Passes 76 to 72 |
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| News - Linn County News | |||
| Written by Kevin Gray | |||
| Wednesday, 01 July 2009 07:00 | |||
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By a slim margin of four votes, 76 to 72, La Cygne voters approved a new 3,975-square-foot pool for $1.77 million. When the June 23 special-election polls closed at 7 p.m., two provisional ballots remained.  “But the two provisional ballots still did not affect the outcome of the election,” City Clerk Gary Mahon said. “The city has spoken, and now we are ready to go forward with what will be a fine improvement,” Mahon said. “Once done, everybody will be happy and proud. This won’t just be something for children, but for citizens of all ages to enjoy.” Mahon said the real reason the pool project passed was because of the leadership of Park Board Chair Jodi Wade. “Jodi put her heart and soul into this project,” he said. Bonds issued to finance construction of the pool will be paid through a 1 percent city sales tax increase over 25 years. The special tax collection will begin Oct. 1 and end on Sept. 30, 2034. Wade said she was excited to see community support for the pool. She also thought the pool committee did a wonderful job. The next step, she said, will be to meet with the architect, prepare construction drawings and put the project out for bid. “Everything can now be put into motion,” Wade said, “and we can have a better idea about a schedule for putting out the bids, and, from there, how long it will be before we break ground.” Wade anticipates beginning work by the end of summer and seeing the new pool open by Memorial Day 2010 or soon afterward. “As long as Mother Nature works with us, we should be able to get it done,” she said. The community did a fine job of sharing thoughts and opinions on this issue, Wade said, adding that she understands why those who voted against the pool did so. “I realize there are so many infrastructure needs we have in La Cygne that some people can’t see spending money on this type of thing,” she said. “Others say it’s too much money for something that will only get used four months of the year. And, there are other needs in town that are also 30 years old, just like the pool, and need updating.” But she said this is not a simple backyard pool. “The committee really worked hard to stay within reasonable thoughts and not going overboard. We knew what items are important and what can be considered perks. We do know how to save money,” Wade said. On Thursday evening at the current pool, Krystal Widner of La Cygne said it is amazing that the city is getting a new pool. “The old pool is falling apart,” her sister Alli added. “You can feel spots where it feels like it will collapse. All it takes it stepping down on a soft spot on the bottom of the pool.” Kim Ryan of La Cygne, who was attempting to swim laps in between play sessions with her son Charles, 6, was hoping she will get a lap lane. “I have a baby, a 2-year-old toddler and Charles. With the new pool, I can now bring them all at the same time, because it will be easier to watch them,” Ryan said.
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