The tax implications of Barrhead County borrowing $5 million for a new swimming pool became clearer last week.
County residents can expect to pay about $40 per $100,000 of property tax assessment for 20 years.
The news emerged at last Tuesday’s meeting of Barrhead County Council.
It comes as County residents prepare for a March 24 plebiscite, which gives them a chance to vote on the project. Advance voting is on March 19.
Residents will be asked: “Are you in favour of the County of Barrhead No. 11 borrowing a maximum of $5 million dollars for the purpose of providing a maximum $5 million dollar contribution to the Town of Barrhead for the Town’s construction of a swimming pool?”
Although not legally binding, the plebiscite gives an indication of public thinking.
Three public meetings about the aquatic centre project have been organized before the plebiscite. They take place at Dunstable School, March 6; Summerdale Hall, March 10, and Mellowdale Hall, March 14. The times are 7 to 9 p.m.
Representatives of Edmonton-based architects Barr Ryder will be on hand to answer questions.
Last year the Town went through a similar process leading to an Oct. 21 plebiscite.
Town voters were asked: “Subject to fundraising $1,000,000 from other sources, do you support the Town of Barrhead borrowing up to $7,000,000 to finance the $15,000,000 new aquatic centre, with the understanding that it will result in an estimated tax increase of $95 for every $100,000 in property assessed value and the project will not proceed unless the County of Barrhead supports the project at 50 per cent of the costs?”
Nine hundred-and-thirty-four voted “yes”, 625 voted “no.”
Barrhead Mayor Gerry St. Pierre said repayment of $7 million would be a long-term commitment.
“You have to bear in mind we haven’t had a tax increase for a number of years,” he said.
Last week, County Manager Mark Oberg said the financial implications of County borrowing up to $5 million would be discussed at next month’s public meetings.
Using the interest rate of February 17, the County could provide a figure of about $40 per $100,000 in assessment per year for 20 years, he said.
“What we are recommending to people, is that if they want a ballpark figure, they should take their assessment sheet from last year, which will show what the assessment is on their land, property or residence,” said Oberg.
He added the figure would obviously fluctuate as interest rates changed.
Oberg said that if the County decided to borrow $5 million then a bylaw would have to be passed. The public would have a chance to petition against this borrowing bylaw.
“There are still a number of steps that have to be taken,” he said.
County developments on the pool project come in the wake of the Town’s decision to close the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre for the safety of citizens and staff.
Two full-time employees and 16 part-time or casual staff are affected. Among them is Aquatics Supervisor Debbie Crossland, who was hired in December.
Town councillors opposed spending about $60,000 to carry out in-depth and up-to-date research into the extent of repairs needed at the mould-infested pool.
A 2011 review of the pool by Edmonton-based Architecture | Arndt Tkalcic Bengert pinpointed several “critical” problems which needed immediate attention, including deteriorating roofing, walls and ceilings. The firm defined “critical” as unsafe, high risk of injury or critical system failure.
The bill for bringing the facility up to standard was expected to top $5 million.
St. Pierre said there was no use in the council throwing good money after bad and called for the focus to switch to building a new aquatic centre.
He urged Barrhead County Council to reconsider its decision to contribute a maximum of $5 million towards a new centre, asking it to match the Town’s commitment of up to $7 million.
It should be remembered, said St. Pierre, that the County represents 60 per cent of the community.
Only councillor Ryan Warehime declined to support the closure motion.
Although acknowledging safety concerns, he said he struggled with making a decision that would have such a profound effect on the community.
At last week’s County meeting, two people raised concerns about the pool project: Brian Miller is a County resident while Brian Ohlendorff spoke as a Town representative.
In a note to council they proposed areas of discussion, including: tax increases; what conditions if any are placed on money contributed to the pool? Where will tax revenue go? Does it take an engineer to assess a roof? What is your opinion regarding the condition of the pool? Was the County given ample notice of the immediate closure to the public?
Ohlendorff said that if the County were to contribute $5 million towards a new pool it should surely have a say in the project.
He also questioned the closure of the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre – deemed unfit by the Town for further use – and wondered why engineers were consulted about repair costs.
“If you have a problem with a roof, you don’t go to an engineering company, you go to a professional roofer,” said Ohlendorff. “If you have a problem with plumbing, you don’t go to an engineering company you go to a professional plumber.”
He said it appeared the Town had been nickel and diming over the pool, letting it fall into disrepair to put pressure on the County to help build a new aquatic centre.
“That’s our opinion,” said Miller. “It looks like that. Can’t say for sure.”
Miller said the timing of the pool closure appeared “very convenient.”
Ohlendorff said there was no way the Town could afford a $15 million-plus pool, taking into account operating costs.
“How do you know the Town residents aren’t going to be taxed more? How do you know they are not going to come to the County and say ‘we need more money’?”
Coun. Dennis Nanninga believed some of the questions were better directed at Town council.
He said members of the public like Miller and Ohlendorff should talk to the Town and other parties about how the project should be handled.
“The money is basically in place,” said Nanninga. “We don’t know what the future holds as far as operating costs …
“In the meantime, if you have constructive ideas about how things could be done better then it’s incumbent on you to tell the folks you think hold the strings.”
Nanninga said the County had done its best to measure up to its responsibilities, and he believed Barrhead could end up with a pool to make it proud.
“We still can do something really good together,” he said.
Nanninga hoped there was a big plebiscite turnout and a resounding yes vote.
Other councillors also voiced support for an affordable pool.
Miller and Ohlendorff are now planning to meet Town council.
