Over the past 5 years the current pool has been open an average of 78.6 days per year. The high was in 2018, with 81 days open and the lowest was 2021, and again this year 2023, open 77 days, not counting the additional days added.

Attendance numbers over the past 12 years averaged out to 19,308 per year. Again the highest year was 2012 with 22,569 visitors and the lowest was 2014, when 16,129 attended. Interesting that this past summer with the weather being rather warm, with little to no rain, the attendance actually decreased from 2022 by 811. (This does not take into consideration the number of extra days the pool was open.)

Over the past 5 years… revenues have averaged $81,046 per year and the expenses averaged $175,868 per year.

2023 had the highest revenue for the season at $126,414. (Daily rate was increased to $6.) Expenses for the year were $233,052.

2019 had the lowest revenues for the season at $88,574. Expenses were $215,538

As reported by the city please note that some revenues and expenses are not necessarily accounted for in the same department each year.

Please keep in mind that the $18(+) million dollar bonds that have to be sold will incur interest much like a mortgage on your house. These bonds will probably have an interest rate of over 5% and will be paid off in 2046-2048, depending on the sales tax dollars generated. These dollars cannot be used for any kind of upkeep or maintenance issues that may arise.

In conclusion. What you will be voting on is a new $35(+) million dollar aquatic center that will probably generate some additional attendance and revenues the first few years, but will probably also have increased expenses in operations (supplies, staffing etc.) during this same time.

After the newness wears off, the mortgage (bonds) of over $35,000,000 will still have to be paid until 2046/2048. More than likely the new aquatic center will not come close to breaking even.

Therefore the losses and overall additional operational expenses will be included within the city budget and absorbed by the tax payers through tax levy increases to the Marshall taxpayers.

— Russ Labat is a Marshall resident