Community Pool Revenue Falls Short of Expectations
Predictions of City management costs of community pool proved overly optimistic
At the Oct. 17 City Council meeting, Recreation Director Mark Delventhal reported on the operation of the Community Pool since its takeover by the City on July 1. Delventhal cautioned that the staff is unsure the budgeted revenue of $429,250 will be realized.
Sales of senior, family recreational, and seasonal adult categories of passes fell short of expectations. Income from swim camp, group lessons, lockers, merchandise and snacks also fell short. On the other hand, sales of family passes and day admissions exceeded expectations.
Revenue of $284,453 from April 1 through September 15 and Expenditures of $225, 822 in fiscal year 2010-11 and fiscal year 2011-12 through September 30 were reported.
While stating that he was “very pleased” with the City staff’s operations of the pool, Delventhal acknowledged, “We may have been a little ambitious in our budget.” He said he is concerned about (losing) the City’s subsidy of the pool, and “I hope we can recommend that service will be the same or better next year.”
Delventhal said he is marketing the pool to residents in nearby communities, and he is already considering suggestions made by Council members Garrett Keating and Margaret Fujioka that the pool be opened at 5:30 a.m. and stay open later in the day.
Regarding the long-term future of the pool, Mayor Dean Barbieri stated there is “a constituency that may help with fund raising to improve or replace the pool.”
More articles on the Community Pool from PCA:
Community Pool: The Summer Went Fast
Commentary: How Piedmont Lost a Free Pool
New Fee Schedule May Reduce Large Taxpayer Subsidy of Piedmont Pool
