The City of Athens’ new pool has officially been funded.
On Monday night, City Council will hear a presentation regarding the bonds that will provide funding for the new pool, which is slated to be built in 2017.
Councilman Jeff Risner, D-2nd Ward, said the bonds for the pool sold very quickly, despite being worth millions of dollars.
“About a month ago, the city authorized the administration to go to various financial institutions to sell bonds to raise money for the swimming pool,” Risner said. “That was $7.3 million worth of bonds, and they all sold within one day.”
Risner said after a contractor for the pool has been selected, the city will move forward with construction.
“We now have the money for the pool, and it’s ready to be used,” he said. “Once the administration decides on a contractor, we can build a new swimming pool.”
According to a previous Post article, the city has a very good bond rating, currently “AA2,” which denotes an excellent ability to pay back bonds.
Council will also be discussing the budgeting process for 2017 in committee meetings on Monday night.
Knisely said the council is required to finalize the budget within the next few months.
“We have to pass the ordinance that approves the budget by the end of the year,” Knisely said.
Risner said he doesn’t anticipate a draft of the budget to be finished by Monday night’s meeting but said the city’s administration would be giving an update on the process so far.
“The administration is basically giving us a heads up on what each department is going to be asking for and if that’s going to be a change from last year’s budget,” Risner said.
Council will also receive an update on a proposal to allow parking passes in some neighborhoods, which was introduced in October by West Side Community Association member Joan Kraynanski.
In her proposition, Kraynanski said a new system would help promote welfare and safety by not requiring residents to move their cars every 24 hours.
“We need a system that will serve to reduce parking restriction to residents in geographically challenged neighborhoods and thus promote the general public welfare,” Kraynanski said.
Councilwoman Michele Papai, D-3rd Ward, said she wants to keep the proposal alive by discussing it in committee meetings.
“We’ve gotten feedback from the law director on this, and so we’re looking at how to go forward with legislation,” Papai said. “I want to keep this in the forefront.”
