FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
...And we have answers!
Q: Why isn't the City of Lake City pursuing a bond issuance to finance a portion of the pool's construction?
A: The City Council has made a commitment to the ongoing, extensive street improvement projects using revenues from a bond issuance. Resources required to complete the street project have maximized the City's bonding capacity – meaning there are very few dollars available under bond issuance guidelines. The City Council has committed to supporting the pool project through a recent pledge of Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) revenues. The City will contribute 75% of annual LOST revenues up to a maximum of $100,000 per year for the next three years, for an estimated total of $300,000.
Q: How many people actually use the pool during the summer season?
A: Over the course of the summer season, an estimated 4,000-4,500 patrons use the pool during regular operating hours. In addition, our lifeguards provide swimming lessons to approximately 40 area children. The 80 member Southern Cal Swim Team also uses the pool for daily practices and home swim meets. Over the course of their season, the team uses the pool no less than 1,600 times. In addition, they host approximately 350 swimmers from other area communities, along with their families and other fans, during home swim meets. Their image of Lake City is impacted by the facility that they use while in our community.
Q: Are we pursuing grant dollars to help fund the new pool?
A: Yes, grant dollars will definitely be pursued as we progress through the capital campaign. Grants are a great source of “gap” financing and typically cannot be obtained until a substantial portion of the total funds have been secured and we are within one year of the project's completion. Therefore, we will be applying for grants during the latter part of our campaign.
Q: When will the pool project be complete?
A: The project's timing is largely dependent on the success of our fundraising campaign. If initial financial support is strong, it will enable us to move on to the construction phase of the project more quickly. Under the most optimistic assumptions, we will be using our current facility for no less than one more season. Using the steering committee's three year pledge model, it is likely that the currently facility will be used for up to three more seasons.
Q: I don't use the pool. Why should I support this project?
A: Perhaps you may never use the pool. However, over the decades to come there will be thousands of your friends, neighbors, fellow community members, and extended family that will enjoy using this facility. The pride that we all have as residents and friends of this community and desire to see it continue to thrive is largely dependent on attracting and retaining residents and visitors. Updating recreation venues is one way to ensure this occurs.
Q: I'd like to transfer stock as my contribution to the fundraising campaign. How can I do this?
A: Please contact Kimberly Kelly, City Administrator, at (712) 464-3111, and she can guide you through this simple process.
Q: Where will the pool be located?
A: The pool will be located on the same site at Goin's Park.
Q: What will the new pool's capacity be?
A: The new facility will accommodate a maximum of approximately 300 swimmers. The current pool has a maximum capacity of approximately 210.
Q: What happened to the money previously donated to the project?
A: These funds are part of the total raised to date. The money has continued to reside in the Pool Project fund and will be utilized to complete the project.
Q: Is my gift a tax deductible donation?
A: Yes, IRS Guidelines state that when you donate to a government entity, like the City of Lake City, for a public purpose, your donation is tax deductible.
Q: Will I get a receipt for my donation?
A: Yes, a letter will be mailed each January detailing the donation(s) made during the previous tax year. You will also receive a letter each spring and fall as a reminder of your pledge and what has been paid to date.
Q: What happens to my donation if we don't raise enough funds to complete the project?
A: The project will be completed. If we need to focus on fundraising for longer than initially planned, we will do that. However, we are committed to seeing the project through to completion.
