The Winamac Town Council met for a special session last night to discuss a few matters, including the future of constructing a new community pool.
Funds that were previously expected from Pulaski County are not available due to a shortfall in local income tax revenues. An account that existed for the old pool was set aside for recreational purposes once the old pool was closed. In the past, that account typically contained around $40,000 but it had to be dipped into to help balance Winamac’s budget to make up for the difference that was not received from the county.
The town did not receive the DNR LWCF grant they applied for which also set the project back. For these reasons, certain council members were questioning the practicality of going forward with the proposed pool project.
Council member Judy Heater who also serves as the organizer behind the Winamac pool committee, expressed dissatisfaction with the fact the council was required to make a decision right then and there. She felt that funds raised by the pool committee could continue to grow and feared that the council voting to put an end to the project at the moment would hinder future fund raising.
Initially, council member Dan Vanaman made a motion to table the matter and Judy Heater seconded it, however the three remaining council members voted not to table it. Alvin Parish proceeded to make a more definitive motion regarding the pool’s construction saying, “I would move the Town of Winamac not proceed with building a swimming pool until the town is financially capable of maintaining a pool.”
Council Vice-President James Watkins went on to second Alvin’s motion and three council members, including Council President Tom Murray voted in favor of the motion. Judy Heater and Dan Vanaman opposed it. However, since the vote was 3-2 it was passed.
The Town of Winamac will currently not be moving forward with the community pool project until sufficient funds are available to build and maintain the structure. However, Judy Heater and the pool committee plan to keep raising money for the project down the line. The money they’ve raised so far will remain in the Pulaski County Community Foundation which is serving as a pass-through for the committee.
The only thing being called into question is the $150,000 pledge the Town of Winamac made to the foundation. President Murray said he was under the impression they wouldn’t have to commit that money since the $450,000 was not raised to put toward the project. Town Attorney Justin Schramm mentioned that since the Community Foundation is a 501-C3 the pledge is enforceable whether the pool gets built or not. However, he did say he felt the board of the Community Foundation would be willing to allow the town to keep the pledged money if it will be put toward other recreational purposes.
The matter will be discussed further during tonight’s Winamac Park Board meeting at 6 p.m. EDT in the Winamac Municipal Utility Complex.
