In-house pool management considered

City’s contract with the operator of the Aquatic Center since 2005 has expired.

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By Nancy Bowman, Contributing Writer 9:05 AM Thursday, November 5, 2009

TIPP CITY — Key decisions about the Tippecanoe Family Aquatic Center await the city, including whether to continue contracting the pool’s management, or take on the responsibility in-house.

The city’s contract with Cincinnati/Dayton Pool Management, the company that has operated the pool since it opened in 2005, has expired.

City Manager Jon Crusey said seeking proposals for managing the pool will help guide the city’s decision.

“First, we will see what kind of cost we get from others to operate the pool, then we can look at whether we want to talk more about in-house (operation),” he told city council Oct. 19.

In 2009, the city paid Cincinnati/Dayton Pool Management $333,411, up from $327,275 in 2008. The city also had about $15,000 in major repairs at the pool this year.

The council has discussed the city running the pool in the past, but a major barrier is the lack of a human resources department. With contractor management, the contractor hires lifeguards and handles other personnel issues.

In addition, a shorter season should be considered. The pool has been open Memorial Day to Labor Day. A season from Memorial Day to the start of the school year with an open to stay open on weekends once school opens will be considered.

Councilmember Vickie Blakey asked if more advertising of the aquatic center is needed. She pointed to one nearby city’s use of a coupon in the entertainment book.

Contact this reporter at nancykburr@aol.com or (937) 339-4371.