New swimming pool

Editor,

“I listened on the radio the other day about the new swimming pool and they want some opinions and input so here is mine: I’m confused with my math on this 1/2 cent sales tax. It was presented to the voters as follows:

50% to street funding to fix our deteriorated streets

30% to the swimming pool

12% to the golf course

5% to storm-water projects

3% to park improvements

100% TOTAL

NOW, if this would generate 10 million dollars in ten years that would make as follows:

$5 million...............street fund

$3 million...............swimming pool

$1.2 million............golf course

$0.5 million............storm-water projects

$0.3 million.............park improvements

Therefore, if the city builds a 6.8 to 7.9+ maintenance and up-keep fee that would give the swimming pool 70% to 80% of the money. So, if you go down the list what is left over for our deteriorating streets? A lot of tax payers think that our streets are in dire need of repair.

I did not know that passing the 1/2 cent sales tax was going to give the city a blank check to build a new swimming pool. When the pool idea was first introduced they said it would be up to the voters. Then they did the “run around” and came up with this sales tax.

I think we have been lied to and fed a bunch of “BS” just to get a new swimming pool. I think the city needs to live within their means and spend only what the tax will generate for the swimming pool even if it means they have to reseal the existing swimming pool until they can raise some revenue to build what they want.

I believe the city thinks they can build what they want and worry about paying for it later.

Remember, that city officials and council members work for the people of Sidney, not individuals.

It appears there is more interest in a new swimming pool and golf course than our deteriorated streets.

The city needs to come up with a plan to fit all the needs; streets, swimming pool, golf course and parks etc. Not everyone uses the swimming pool three months out of the year and not everyone plays golf six months out of the year, but EVERYBODY drives on our streets 365 days a year!

I would like other people to come forward and address this situation. Put in your comments and input, call the city office, write letters to our city council and officials and to whomever it takes to get this point across.”

Jack Schilling,

Citizen, Sidney