COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A five year Intergovernmental and Interlocal contract between the City of Coldwater and Coldwater Community Schools on the operation of the Browne Aquatic Center was adopted Monday night by the Coldwater Board of Education.
The City Council also approved the agreement during their meeting on Monday night.
The contract calls for the hiring and oversight of a full-time aquatic director.
It was revealed this summer that the operation of the pool was in the red by over $300,000 per year.
Board President Doctor Ed Lake said the contract came about after numerous meetings were held.
Superintendent Paul Flynn said they are taking applications for the Aquatic Director’s position.
The pool is owned by the City of Coldwater, with operation and maintenance handled by the school district.
To assist the school district with the deficits and make needed repairs to the facility, the Robert W. and Lynn H. Browne Foundation has committed $1,050,000 for capital improvements over three years and $625,000 over five years for operations.
In addition, Branch County will pay $25,000 in annual contribution for ten years. In return, there would be a uniformed rate for all County residents at both the Aquatic Center and City of Coldwater recreational services.
The City of Coldwater has increased its contribution to $75,000 in addition to covering 50 percent for the hiring of an Aquatic Director up to $50,000.
A citizens committee would also be established that would provide guidance, direction and monitoring of the aquatic director.
Who exactly in the school system has been in charge of running the pool?