LAURIE, Mo. — Should the city of Laurie support the indoor pool that benefits local elderly, children, and rescue personnel?
Westlake Aquatic Center Board Treasurer Larry Byron came to the City of Laurie’s Feb. 14 Board of Aldermen meeting to ask the city for a donation to help the pool, in the form of a discounted water bill.
Westlake Aquatic Center is an indoor, mini-Olympic pool located in Laurie that is open seven days a week for aerobics, lap swimming, arthritis classes, open swim, swimming lessons, pool parties, lifeguard and firefighter dive training, and more.
The board had previously been hesitant to donate to the pool, due to a question about the pool’s non-profit status.
Byron explained the Laurie/Sunrise Beach Rotary Club had built the pool in 1999. The rotary turned over ownership of the pool to a separate 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in January of 2017. During the 18 years that it ran the pool, the rotary club was an integral part in the center’s oversight and fundraising. Since they have stepped away from playing a leadership role, additional ongoing support is needed.
“The purpose of the pool is to serve the community,” Byron told the board, pointing out the pool had served 23,000 visitors in 2016.
“The pool has a major impact on this community,” Byron emphasized. “It is used by citizens to keep active and in good shape, and we try to keep our fees low.”
The pool is supported by fees and donations. The Missouri and Camden County Senior Tax Boards also provide funding, due to a number of senior citizens that use the pool for exercise, therapy and social enrichment. Low income seniors can swim for free.
Byron suggested the city could consider discounting pool’s water bill, in lieu of a monetary donation. “Currently, the pool is solvent,” Byron admitted. “We have a great group of volunteers and board of directors, but a pool can be very expensive and we feel it is an important asset to the city of Laurie.”
“I am against setting precedent in giving city money,” board member Herb Keck said. “We represent many citizens and we as counsel do not have the prerogative to give away city money. I would be glad to offer the park to the pool, free of charge, for a fundraiser.”
Byron replied, “In most municipalities that have a pool, the pool is owned and operated by the city. In this case, a group of individuals took on the responsibility. I am asking the city to share in the expense. The pool is for everyone in the community. I don’t think this would be against city charter or morals.”
Board member Karen Dobbins added that everyone loved the pool and it was a positive addition. “When people come to town to use the pool, they also spend money at our local businesses,” she advised.
The board charged Laurie City Clerk Ron Clarke with investigating how much water from the center was going through the city sewer system, so that the board could make an informed decision on lowering the center’s water bill. Clarke will report back to the board at the 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 14 board of alderman meeting.
The board then approved a request for a $400 sponsorship/donation by the Lake West Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee to offset the cost of a dumpster to be used in the Lake West Chamber of Commerce annual Roadside Cleanup campaign.
