There is less than a week before Warrenton residents will vote on a bond issue for a new aquatic center on Aug. 8. Ahead of that, we’re answering a variety of questions related to plans for the …
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Warrenton bond issue FAQs for new aquatic center
Posted
By Adam Rollins, Record Staff Writer
There is less than a week before Warrenton residents will vote on a bond issue for a new aquatic center on Aug. 8.Ahead of that, we’re answering a variety of questions related to plans for the facility and how it will be financed. These answers are based on interviews with city officials and information presented during public meetings.Q: What exactly are we voting on?A: The city of Warrenton plans to borrow money to pay for the new pool facility. There are multiple ways to finance the project, but officials say the cheapest is by issuing what are called general obligation bonds. The city sells these bonds, which are basically an IOU that the city promises to pay back using tax revenue.Q: Will my taxes go up?A: If you live outside Warrenton city limits (“in the county”), then no. For Warrenton residents, the answer is nuanced.City leaders say there will be no tax increase. They are confident that existing revenue will be enough to pay for this bond issue.However, by definition, approving a bond issue means giving the city permission to raise taxes in the future if necessary to pay back the debt. That’s why the city is required to get voter approval to sell bonds, even if it doesn’t plan to raise taxes.Q: How will the city pay for the aquatic center?A: Warrenton has a capital improvement tax for these sorts of projects. It’s the tax that paid for the current pool, as well as the Warrenton Athletic Complex. When the athletic complex is paid off next year, future tax revenue will be applied to the debt on the aquatic center. Q: I don’t live within Warrenton’s city limits. Can I vote?A: No. Only citizens who live within one of Warrenton’s three wards can participate in this vote.Q: How long will it take to pay off the bonds?A: That is yet to be determined, but Warrenton Director of Operations Terri Thorn predicts about 20 years.Q: Where will the aquatic center be built?A: West of the intersection of Warrior Avenue and Highway 47, partially visible from Scenic Regional Library. Warrior Avenue will be extended to the facility entrance.Q: How much will the aquatic center cost?A: Thorn said the current construction estimate is $5.3 million, although the bond issue (which was written before the estimate was available) is for up to $7.5 million.Q: What happens if the bond issue fails?A: The city moves ahead with aquatic center construction, using a type of financing that has a higher interest rate and doesn’t require voter approval. That method would cost more in the long run.Q: When will the new facility be built?A: Construction is slated to begin this fall and be finished in fall 2018.Q: Will the new pool be bigger than the current pool?A: The current pool is almost 6,000 square feet. The new facility is planned to have a 7,000-square-foot indoor pool and a 2,400-square-foot outdoor pool.Q: Will the aquatic center be open year-round?A: The indoor area will be. The outdoor pool will be seasonal.Q: Will there be aquatic fitness classes?A: There aren’t exact plans as of yet, but using the aquatic center for year-round exercise activities is something city officials have considered.Q: Will there still be a fee to use the pool?A: Yes. User fees will cover part of the operating cost of the aquatic center, which will have a larger staff than the current municipal pool. The exact fees, operating cost and staff size are yet to be determined.Q: Will nonresidents pay higher pool fees?A: Yes, those who live outside Warrenton will pay more to swim. Again, the fee arrangement is yet to be determined.Q: Will the aquatic center operate at a loss?A: Most likely, although that isn’t uncommon for municipal pools. The revenue gap will be filled by other city funding. Q: Will the new building have other attractions?A: Plans include a party room for birthdays. Q: What will happen to the current pool?A: City officials have talked about backfilling the existing pool and moving the nearby tennis courts there from their current location downhill.Q: Why not just keep the current pool?A: City officials have asserted the current city pool, built in 1989, will soon have major expenses to replace aging equipment, as well as the interior surface. There didn’t seem to be a clear answer of how much that work would cost.Warrenton’s population has also more than doubled since the current pool was built, according to U.S. Census data.Q: Where do I go to vote on this bond issue?A: Below are voting locations based on wards:• Ward 1 — Warrenton Baptist Church, 202 S. Highway 47.• Ward 2 — Friedens United Church of Christ basement, 313 E. Main St.• Ward 3 — College United Methodist Church educational building, 701 E. Main St.Q: Do I need an ID to vote?A: Yes. As of June 1, voters must show a driver’s license, passport or other approved identification.Otherwise, residents can show a utility bill with their name and address, and then sign a form in order to vote.
A preliminary digital rendering shows plans for the indoor pool area at Warrenton's upcoming new aquatic center, slated to begin construction this fall. Renderings for the outdoor area were not available. Submitted image.
