Pool funding still an issue in Peru

The swimming pool remains a cause for debate in Peru.  City council members are ready to ask North Central Council of Governments to file the application for an IDNR grant that could fund up to 75% of the pool construction costs, but the mayor says he won’t sign the application.  The topic sparked a heated discussion during Wednesday night’s council meeting.

Mayor Scott Harl says until they have a plan to pay for the entire cost, which they’re estimating to be $3.5 million, he won’t sign the ordinance.  He wants the council to approve a funding plan.

Alderman Joe Mikyska is proposing a flat $5 monthly surcharge on utility bills.  He believes money from the charge and the grant money from the state would help them pay back a loan for $3.5 million.

The council voted and agreed to apply for the grant and use Mikyska’s funding proposal if they receive a grant that would be large enough.

Many of the council members believe the odds of receiving the grant are slim and if the grant amount would be small, they would decline the grant.

Harl doesn’t like that idea, thinking it could smear the city’s name and make them ineligible to try for an IDNR grant for at least two years.  Harl says he’ll veto the council’s vote to move forward with the grant in the next few days.