Leipsic community pooling resources

LEIPSIC — Village officials will decide in early April whether to reopen the community pool for the 2010 season.

Facing a tight budget, Leipsic Village Council members have been discussing whether they can afford to reopen the pool. Village Administrator Kevin Lammon said operation costs for the pool for 2009 were more than $52,000, including paying the Putnam County YMCA $33,000 in operational costs such as pool managers and life guards.

During Monday’s meeting, an ad hoc group of pool supporters said it raised around $8,000 in private donations to operate the pool.

“I really feel if we had some more time we could raise more commitments,” said Fred Bryan, spokesman for the group.

Mayor Kevin Benton questioned if village officials could also become more involved by helping to push the sale of season passes. Lammon said family season passes were $100 last year, but a price had not been determined yet for the 2010 season.

Lammon said the village had budgeted $40,000 toward the 2010 operating costs, but he questioned if council would have that amount to spend.

“The budget was made out in July 2009, and it all depends on the economy,” Lammon said. “You can budget money, but we’re not sure if it will be there to spend.”

Benton recommended the pool supporters and village’s parks and pools committee meet before the April 5 council meeting to discuss the reopening.

“You will have more definite figures on how much you can raise in pledges, and we will have a better idea of our costs and our budget,” Benton said.