COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Coldwater Community Schools district is losing money managing and operating the Robert W. Browne Aquatic Center since it opened in March, and the Coldwater Board of Education wants the administration to keep close tabs on swimming pool finances in the coming year.
The City of Coldwater owns the Aquatic Center and leases it back to the school system, with an agreement for the school system to receive $50,000 annually for pool costs, including management. The facility was made possible as part of a nearly $15-million dollar gift to the city from Coldwater native Dr. Robert W. Browne.
Pool Director Buzz Sharpley told the school board Monday night that since the Aquatic Center opened last March through November 30, there have been a total of 30,000 pool visits. Sharply says that includes up to 8 physical education classes daily along with the high school girls and boys swimming teams and other CHS sports teams as well as various community groups and general public use of the pool.
Coldwater City residents are eligible for a 50% discount on all pool fees. Coldwater Schools Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer Dr. Terry Boguth estimated the loss for the first half of the year at about $55,000. Utility expenditures account for half of the operational costs and Boguth said they’re trying to reduce those bills, working with the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities, to limit the electricity needs that spike in high peak times of using the pool.
Coldwater School Board Vice-President Jim Hiscock showed his concerns, saying the deficit figures going forward suggest they could afford another teacher or two for what the pool operation is costing the district. Sharpley said overall, things are moving forward but added it’s a slow process.
