City Council commits up to $30,000 to keep indoor pool open next year

The Mitchell City Council voted unanimously this evening at City Hall to contribute 33.3 percent of the costs to operate the Mitchell Middle School indoor pool next school year, up to a maximum of $30,000 and including the $11,000 that the council already is scheduled to contribute.

Swimming enthusiasts have been scrambling to save the pool during the past few weeks following an announcement by school officials that they plan to close it as a cost-cutting measure.

A board member of the Mitchell Aquatic Club asked the City Council this evening for $45,000 and said the MAC could raise the other $45,000 to cover the estimated $90,000 cost to operate the pool next school year. The council arrived at an agreement to contribute up to $30,000 after a lengthy discussion.

It's still unknown whether the Mitchell Board of Education will vote to close the pool or keep it open. The City Council's money pledge is likely to be discussed Thursday at the Board of Education's next meeting.

For more about the City Council's pool decision and its other Monday business items, read Tuesday's print and online editions of The Daily Republic.

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