South Gate staff warn of reduced pool hours and program cuts if utility tax fails

Aquatics and recreation staff warned commissioners May 14 that ongoing budget shortfalls tied to the outcome of a proposed utility users tax (UUT) would force steep reductions in services if the tax is not approved.

Leslie Conseil, aquatic supervisor, said program reductions are already planned contingent on revenues. "Once the November 20 comes, essentially, the pool will be shut down," she said, describing a scenario in which the city reduces hours, eliminates fall swim lessons and cannot staff summer programming at historic levels. Conseil said staff are already cutting hourly positions and expect to lose a second full-time employee; she noted these losses will make it difficult to host the competitive and specialty summer programming the city has offered in recent years.

Commissioners expressed regret and concern. Commissioner Reese said she was "sad" at the prospect of losing veteran instructors and described staff departures already being discussed. Staff said some municipal funds for park operations remain through Nov. 20, 2026, but warned that program offerings and hours may change in advance as personnel leave and budgets are tightened.

The commission asked for a future agenda item that lays out specific program reductions and options for commission support, including whether the commission can provide a statement of support for the UUT. Staff said they will consult the city attorney to confirm legal parameters before any formal endorsement or advocacy action.

What’s next: Staff committed to a follow-up report detailing proposed cuts and timelines so commissioners and partners can plan for the summer and fall seasons.