HomeMy WebLinkAboutHTTF Findings and RecommendationsKey Findings
1. A modern, public aquatic facility will greatly benefit the health and well-being of Jefferson
County residents. Benefits include water & boating safety, teaching children to swim, healthy
recreation, athletic competition, aquatic therapies, community building and more.
2. Its success will depend on community collaboration, through education, engagement, trust
building, and buy-in.
3. The first step is broad agreement on general location and funding mechanisms.
4. Compared with Mountain View, a larger portion of the county population can readily access
potential pool locations in the Tri-Area (Port Hadlock, Irondale, Chimacum). An aquatic facility
can be sited on a septic system, as one will be in South Whidbey.
5. Operating two public pools is not financially feasible, but the current Mountain View Pool will
need financial support at least through 2028, until a new facility is complete. The current pool
can be repaired and modernized for $4 million to $8 million or expanded to 25 yards for about
$21 million.
6. A Public Facilities District (PFD) supported by a County sales tax of 0.2% would generate (in
today’s dollars) $15 million for capital construction and $500k every year to support operations
and maintenance. Other funding sources—such as existing lodging taxes, state and federal
grants, and private philanthropy—should also be pursued.
7. An aquatic facility can be largely designed to cost. Pre-engineered, pre-fabricated and modular
building and pool vessel systems utilizing project delivery methods besides traditional “design-
bid-build” offer savings on initial capital cost, life-cycle cost, and time of installation.
8. Aquatic centers face challenges with cost recovery, but can generate substantial revenue from
user fees, facilities rentals, merchandising and community programming (e.g., childcare, swim
lessons, aerobics classes).
Key Recommendations
1. A community consensus on a Port Townsend or Mid-County location should be the first
decision. The Task Force recommends a Mid-County pool funded with a PFD.
2. Establish a PFD (or MPD) with sufficient administrative funding to lead the project.
3. The PFD or MPD needs to work in concert with the community to finalize site selection, facility
amenities, a financing plan, and a budget-constrained design. Identify how community priorities
align with projected costs to build & operate a new facility.
4. Develop a long-term financial plan that balances project revenues and costs. We must take the
time now to build a complete & affordable plan before asking for a new tax.
5. Before any renovation or new construction at Mountain View, definitively answer questions
about unknowns, including: seismic, ADA compliance, HVAC upgrades, utilities and stormwater.