Board approves swimming-pool renovation bid despite grant shortfall and tight timeline

Swain County commissioners voted Feb. 17 to accept the lowest bid for renovations at the Rec Park pool after a lengthy discussion about funding and timing.

County staff and project lead Taylor reviewed bids for a revised project that replaces a previously planned lazy river with a beach-entry baby pool and splash-pad revisions. The lowest bid discussed was roughly $292,000 while staff reported about $175,000 remains in the Part F grant allocation for the project, leaving an approximate funding gap of $120,000 that the county would need to cover.

Taylor and county staff stressed timing constraints: construction must start soon to meet the grant's November deadline; staff said the grant had already been extended once and warned that if the county fails to start and complete the work in time it could be required to repay grant funds or fund the project entirely from county coffers.

Commissioners asked whether costs could be reduced through redesign and whether matching or TDA funds could cover the shortfall. Several commissioners expressed concern about spending and possible tax impacts, while others argued that failing to proceed would risk returning grant funds. After debate, a motion to accept the bid passed by voice/hand vote.

Why it matters: The project is a multi-year, phased parks investment funded partly by state grant money. The county must balance using grant funds on a strict schedule with taxpayer concerns about additional local cost.

Next steps: Project staff will negotiate final contract details with the bidder and report back on any design changes to reduce costs and the plan to cover the remaining funding gap.