Winfield mayor details preliminary financial plan for new pool

BY BRYCE KELLY

Mt. Pleasant News

WINFIELD ? The Winfield City Council is set on moving forward with the construction of a new pool at the Twin Lakes Golf Course, in Winfield, and on Wednesday evening, city mayor Chris Finnell laid out a preliminary financial plan to make it happen.

Detailing his financial plan to pay for the project, Finnell reiterated his desire to keep the new pool from increasing the city debt and paying for the new structure primarily through grants and private donations.

?Really, I think if we can get roughly $665,000 in private donations that would be a great start,? Finnell told the board. ?I know that?s a big number. I realize that. But, I think we really just have to put it out there, ask for people to give what they can give, and realize that this (pool) will be a good thing for the city.?

In addition, the board approved a $100,000 contribution from the city to go to the pool?s construction. Finnell says the remainder of the funds will likely have to come from grants. He also told the board that he would reach out to the county board of supervisors to see if there were county funds that could be put towards the pool?s construction.

No official cost estimate has been given for a new pool at this time. However, during Wednesday?s meeting, Finnell said he would like to have conceptual drawings and official cost estimates of the pool to the city council members within the next couple of months.

?I know, with the pool, we have a bigger project on our hands and that costs money,? Finnell said during comments made towards the end of the council?s meeting. ?I think moving forward we have to be wise with where we spend and look for ways to save money as much as we can.?

And in keeping with talks of money, not only did the council talk pool budgets, but also approved several changes in city staff budgets. And while some city employees? salaries stayed the same, the board did approve increasing several employees? salaries including the salaries of the city clerk to $21.75 an hour; the public works director to $25 an hour; and police chief Jeff Dietrich to $21.75 an hour.

In other news on Wednesday, Jason Egli, of EPO Energy, gave a written report to the council concerning the installation of solar panels at the city buildings and at the city?s water plant. During the council?s March meeting, a presentation was given by Ideal Energy, of Fairfield, on the same topic. At this time, the board is only gathering information regarding the possible installation of solar panels to save money on energy costs, and plans to further discuss the topic at a later date.

In other news the council:

? Approved a liquor license renewal for Welcome Inn.

? Approved the city?s health insurance renewal and the city?s police and fire reserve funds for the year.

? Approved a notice to bidders for work on the city?s library roof, which needs to be replaced due to leaks that have appeared.

? Approved the purchase of a concrete saw for use at the city?s public works office.

Finally, the council set a date for a city employee appreciation dinner for Aug. 11, at 5:30 p.m., at the city park. According to council members the dinner will be open to all city employees and their families. Food and drinks will be provided.

The next Winfield City Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at Winfield City Hall.