Swim team pool billing query

Colfax Swim Team Coach Sarina Roberts May 7 questioned city council members about a $2,300 item which had been added to charges the city requests from the swim team for use of the pool. The sum was added for costs of operating the pool when the team hosted meets, including the big county meet at the end of the season.

Roberts pointed out the $2,300 was listed in addition to the $2,200 the city asks the team to pay for their use of the pool during the season. She then added $2,300 would tax the team's fundraising efforts and could lead the Colfax team to request visiting teams to help pay the added costs. The Colfax team normally consists of 50 to 70 youngsters who compete on the team during the summer season when school activities are shut down.

Chris Mathis, city finance director, said the added $2,300 billing was intended to be an incentive for the swim team to request funds from the city tourism tax proceeds. The tax is added to room rental rates with proceeds intended to be used to enhance facilities for visitors to the city.

Colfax Park Board members prior to the city's budgeting process this year had raised pool fees in an attempt to bump pool revenue while the city was considering a shutdown of the pool. The outlook for funding changed when the city learned its 2016 metropolitan park district levy proposal had actually been approved, instead of rejected, and the levy was placed on this year's tax statements.

Knowing the parks department would receive revenue from the special levy, the park board rescinded the added admission fees.