Dayton Pool District to host town hall on proposed excess levy

DAYTON — The Columbia County Parks and Recreation Pool District will host a town hall meeting to present and discuss the proposed excess levy on the November 2024 ballot. The public meeting will be held at the Dayton Multipurpose Room at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

The Parks and Rec commissioners encourage community members to come and learn first-hand about the proposed excess levy, ask questions, and have an open conversation about the pool district’s needs, goals, and priorities.

Columbia County voters approved the parks and recreation district, specifically for the pool, and elected five district board commissioners in November 2023. The district was approved unfunded, giving the board time to explore options and create a plan before going to voters for an annual excess levy to move forward.

Over the last nine months, having completed the initial planning, the board must now fund the district through the proposed excess levy, as outlined in the original initiative. Without funding, the efforts of the board commissioners would be minimal, and the project would not be able to move forward.

The board of commissioners has placed the excess levy proposition on the November 2024 ballot asking for voter approval of 20 cent per $1000 assessed property value. Voter approval of the excess levy would generate funds for the $200,000 budget proposed by the district commissioners.

The board aims to develop a professional and ADA-compliant construction plan for the much-needed community swimming pool. Within the proposed budget are required expense obligations, including state auditor fees, insurance costs, legal services, and election costs. The levy would fund vital operating costs, including consulting, architectural and engineering services, clerical and payroll expenses, website creation, office supplies, and grant match funds.

Commissioner Diane McKinley said, “Let’s make a big splash in our community. Please be part of fostering a sense of well-being for all residents of Columbia County.”

The commissioners urge the community to attend the Pool District Public Town Hall to learn about the work they have completed and the future of the project.

Help promote physical and emotional fitness in Columbia County by approving the proposed excess levy for the pool.