It is time for the next step since Yuma is going to get a new swimming pool.
Yuma’s electors approved a 0.75-percent sales tax in the November 4 mail-in election. It was fairly decisive with 471 out of 799 votes (59 percent) cast in favor. The sales tax will go toward paying off the bonds that will be issued to raise the funds for the project, estimated at $5.2 million. It is anticipated the sales tax will sunset in 2042 after the last bond payment.
If all goes as planned, the pool should be ready for swimmers in the early summer of 2027.
The next step is the city preparing for the bond issue. There was a special meeting on Wednesday of this week in which the Yuma City Council was expected to act on the first reading of an emergency ordinance “for the sole purpose of paying the authorized debt to construct, equipe and operate a city pool.” The bond issue will be for $6 million, with a top-end payoff of $9 million, though it could be lower depending upon the interest rate when the bond is issued.
The emergency ordinance’s second reading will take place during the council’s regular meeting on November 18.
The council also is holding a study session today, November 13, at 10 a.m. at City Hall to discuss the swimming pool.
The city is working with Kutak Rock as the bond attorney, and the bond house D.A. Davidson & Co. for the funding.
That usually takes a month or so, but currently there is no set timetable in this particular instance.
Funds can only go to the pool project and its operation.
Essenza Architecture has been working with the city since earlier this year coming up with a financially-realistic pool design. That process has included Essenza working with a group of contractors and engineers to determine the estimated cost. Mayor Tim McClung said the general contractor probably will come from that effort, calling it a design/build situation.
It is expected the current pool’s demolition and work on the new pool will begin as soon as possible in 2026. The current pool house will remain and undergo an extensive remodeling.
A Citizen Pool Committee has been meeting this year, and will continue to meet throughout the pool project. City leaders have stated the city will provide regular updates on the design, spending and construction.
McClung said the city is seeking grants to install hydrothermal and solar panels for the heat pumps.