The Roxburgh Community Board has sent the latest recommendations from the Central Otago District Council back to the council for further consideration as the six recommendations proposed by staff did not meet the required criteria of no increase in rates from the present $37,000 paid for the existing pool.
The board resolved in September 2006 to build a swim centre in Roxburgh and agreed in principle to fund $100,000 of the capital cost of the building with money from the Horseshoe Bend fund and debt financing if necessary.
The working party made up of Roxburgh residents and a community board member envisioned a 10.8m x 25m pool with six lanes, and a therapeutic pool 13m x 13m, divided into four separate quadrants, with zero rating costs other than what is now rated for the pool.
Staff said the cost of that pool, incorporating 10% project management fees, would be $2.5 million, with operating costs estimated at $138,000.
The options suggested by staff included flagging the pool altogether, buying a bus and transporting Roxburgh residents to Molyneux Aquatic Centre or the Millers Flat pools, or redesigning the new pool in a reduced form.
A smaller four-lane pool 25m pool plus a learners'/therapeutic pool, had been costed at just under $1.25 million with operating costs of $93,000 in 2004 but Mr Jeffrey said those costs would have increased by now.
Community facility officer Carol McGarry said funding the operating costs for the larger swim centre would be a major obstacle and recommended the board opt for the smaller pool.
