More Non-City Functions?

The city has partnered with Georgetown ISD to fund a feasibility study to construct and operate an aquatic center. Here is the description of the task.

The City of Georgetown and the Georgetown ISD agreed to partner on an Aquatic Feasibility Study at the February 28, 2017, City Council Workshop. This feasibility study was intended to look at the future aquatic needs of both the City and the ISD. During the workshop, the City agreed to fund up to $20,000 for the study with the ISD contributing the same amount. A RFP for services was issued on May 14th. There were six firms that responded to the request. Representatives from both the ISD and the City were on the review team.

Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture was the firm selected to conduct the study. Other firms involved in the project included Water Technology, Inc and Ballard King & Associates.

The study results were presented to the City Council on November, 14, 2017. Study Results Presentation

Here are the objectives:

The Georgetown Aquatics Center will…

• Provide higher quality of life services for all ages

• Be economically sustainable

• Elevate the Georgetown brand as a destination for better living

• Be a catalyst for economic development and tourism  

Notice that none of the objectives address the core functions of the city or the school district.

The study projects that construction of the center will cost between $22M and $ 28M and will require an annual subsidy of $300,000 to $400,000 depending on the configuration selected. This annual subsidy is required even though there are fees required to use the facility. It is likely that it will not be open to the public anytime the school is using the facility.

Given that the proponents of this facility describe it as wanted and needed by the City and GISD, the absence of a private option to develop and operate such a facility is notable by its absence. It's almost like the outcome has been predetermined! Private enterprise undoubtedly could produce and operate a superior facility at a lower cost that would allow the school district to focus on education and the city to focus on its core government responsibilities.

Keep in mind the city would likely hire more staff to operate and maintain the facility, and, that imposes long-term pension and healthcare obligations for current and future taxpayers.

Let your city council and school board know that taxpayers do not want more debt and long-term obligations imposed on them. The city and schools should focus instead on their core missions.

If there is demand for an aquatic center, let private enterprise provide, just as it does for exercise facilities and bowling alleys. Why saddle all Georgetown taxpayers with the financial burden of developing and operating an aquatic center in order to provide a recreational/training facility for a few?