HLVRA forwards funding request letter to city, county

The Honey Lake Valley Recreation Authority Board unanimously approved sending a letter the city and the county seeking more funding for the pool seeking an increase of $80,000 annually to $120,000 annually from each governmental entity.

Board member and city councilmember Curtis Bortle was absent.

Here’s the text of the funding request letter
Dear Members of the County Board of Supervisors and City Council
We are writing to respectfully request your consideration for an increase in funding for the HLVRA Pool. The pool has become an invaluable asset to our community, offering a range of benefits that contribute to the well-being and enrichment of our residents.

The HLVRA has been operated and largely funded through a cooperative agreement between Lassen County and the City of Susanville. The funding section of the contract between the county and city is only agreed to through the 2028/29 fiscal year.

The HLVRA Pool serves as a hub for numerous activities that positively impact our community. It provides essential swim lessons, teaching water safety a skill that can be life-saving, especially in a community surrounded by water. The pool also supports our local swim team, nurturing young athletes and promoting discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness. In addition to these programs, the pool offers fitness opportunities such as water aerobics and lap swimming, which are vital for cardiovascular health and overall well-being. These programs are accessible to all ages and fitness levels, making them a crucial resource for those seeking low-impact exercise options.

Recreational activities are another key aspect of the HLVRA Pool’s offerings. Open swim sessions provide a fun and safe environment for families and individuals to enjoy the water, while the pool also serves as a popular venue for community events, birthday parties and family gatherings. These activities foster social connections and enhance the community spirit.

Since its opening in 2017, the HLVRA Pool has relied on the generous contributions of both the county and city, with each contributing $80,000 annually.

However, since then, the costs associated with staffing and operations have increased significantly, putting a strain on the HLVRA’s ability to meet operational expenses.

Specifically maintenance costs have increased 46 percent, electric costs 84 percent, insurance 178 percent and staffing hourly wages have increased 41 percent. Overall staff estimate that costs have increased a total of 71 percent since 2018.

Despite efforts to manage these costs, including raising prices, the impact on attendance has been detrimental, with the loss of customers outweighing the benefits of the price increase.

Additionally, budget constraints have led to deferred maintenance, which, if not addressed, could result in more significant and costly repairs in the future.

The importance of a public pool to our community cannot be overstated. Teaching individuals to swim is a critical life-saving skill that can prevent drownings.

Furthermore, swimming as a sport instills discipline, resilience and a sense of accomplishment in our youth, providing them with valuable skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. For those unable to engage in traditional forms of exercise, swimming offers a low-impact, highly effective workout. Summer swimming also provides families with opportunities to bond, stay active, and enjoy wholesome fun together. The pool is a beloved location for family gatherings, birthday parties, and community events, making it a central social hub in our area.

Public swimming pools like the HLVRA Pool rely on community support to remain operational. Unlike private pools, which are scarce, public pools require ongoing funding to serve the community effectively. The HLVRA has a proven track record of managing the pool, but it cannot continue to offer the current levels of service without increased financial support.

Therefore, we respectfully request that both the county and city increase their annual contribution to the HLVRA from $80,000 to $120,000.

This additional funding will allow the HLVRA to maintain current service levels, address critical maintenance needs, and continue to provide a safe, welcoming space for all community members.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. The HLVRA Pool is a vital resource that enriches our community, and your support is essential to its continued success.

Other business
Other items on the agenda included approval of the minutes from the Aug. 27 special meeting and approval of a city reimbursement request for $8,053.37.

The HLVRA’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be held at 3 p.m. Oct. 15.