Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 25, 1992 TAG: 9203250361
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The city has thus far declined to publicly reveal the costs associated with the planned municipal pool that will be adjacent to the Salem Civic Center. Here is a summary of the cost information obtained by VRA.
The preliminary construction cost estimate is $2,290,121.
Assuming that the "first-class indoor pool" will be operated year-round, the annual operating budget will be about $371,540. This rather confusing budget estimate does not include pool coordinators, police security and "any other incidentals."
A pool consultant cost $19,760 in 1990, and the schematic design phase cost $29,746 in 1991. These costs do not include several trips made to study other pools in surrounding states by various City Council members, administration employees and citizens.
It is clear that the proposed Salem municipal pool will be a significant cost to the Salem taxpayers. It is likewise clear that construction and maintenance of the pool will not be a "usual and customary" local government expenditure.
The VRA has formally and repeatedly asked Salem City Council members for a binding referendum on the planned municipal pool. Council has steadfastly refused to directly respond to the referendum request.
A Salem municipal pool referendum is necessary so that the collective wisdom of the Salem voters can be expressed without the influence of special interests and personal prejudices. CHARLES SWITZER SALEM
by CNB