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VOL. 14 • NO. 7
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018
Save Lufkin Pool group takes action Brings suggestions to Board of Trustees; posts signs around Village
By Paul DelGuidice FOR THE VILLA PARK INDEPENDENT
Recently, some signs have begun appearing around Villa Park. They look like typical political campaign yard signs, but these read simply “Save Lufkin Pool.” The signs are part of the Save Lufkin Pool Group’s strategy to raise the awareness of residents about the imminent closure and demolition of the six-decade-old community swimming pool located at 1000 S.Ardmore Ave. The group is also lobbying the Village Board of Trustees to re-vote on funding needed repairs to Lufkin Pool so it can open for the 2018 season, as well as the next eight to 10 years until a modern aquatic facility can be funded and built. “Many residents are upset by this decision [to close Lufkin],” said Katie Mueller, the first of a dozen pro-save Lufkin Pool residents who spoke at the Jan. 22 Board meeting. “They feel that the vote was done in the matter it was and at the time of year it was so as to NOT make residents aware of (the vote).” The speakers each contributed during their allotted three-minutes to address the Board. Amy Jenkins, who has worked as an internal auditor, said the group has gone over the Village’s finances and ‘found’ the needed $450,000 to fund the liner (about $90,000), the engineering study (about $25,000) and other needed repairs ($335,000) including pumps, piping and poolhouse maintenance. “We are currently budgeted to end fiscal year 2018 with $9.1 million in the general corporate fund,” Jenkins said. “That equates to 146 days cash
reserve. Spending the $450,000 on Lufkin repairs would equate to seven days, leaving the Village with 139 days of cash on hand.” Village reserves too conservative The figures Jenkins quoted refer to the Village’s reserve funding. Most municipalities strive for 90 days of reserves -- meaning they are able to pay for 90 days of operations (fire, police, other Village services) without any income or revenue. This is also sometimes called a ‘rainy day fund.’ Villa Park has maintained 120 days of reserve funds since about 2013. “Bottom line, we have the money to repair Lufkin -- and Jefferson too, for that matter,” Jenkins said. Mary Ann Testa addressed the Board with some proposed ideas to increase revenue at Lufkin and Jefferson Pools. These ranged from a small increase in pool pass cost to charging more for groups that want to rent out the pool for meetings and parties to other marketing and advertising opportunities. Testa estimated that about $27,000 could be raised annually to help defer the operating costs of the pools. According to Testa, the Save Lufkin Pool groups analysis of pool operating costs indicated that each pool costs the Village about $46,000 per year. The different nature of each pool was another benefit to keeping both pools operational. Jefferson is geared more toward lap swimPAUL DELGUIDICE PHOTO Villa Park Independent ming and hosts Mariners swim team meets. Thus, it is available to open This is just one of several signs that have popped up throughout the Villa Park community over the swimming for less time per season. past week or so to show solidarity with the “Save Lufkin Pool” group. The group is petitioning Village
See LUFKIN POOL, Page 5
Inside:
Police Reports...........6 Sports �������������������� 14 Viewpoint.................7 Classifieds..........17-18
officials to reconsider the closing of the pool for this coming summer and to spend the money it takes to keep it operating.
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