Pool to officially be on Nov. 4 ballot

An item asking residents of Greenfield whether or not they want the city council to enter into a loan agreement for no more than $1 million, to go toward the building of a new pool, will officially be on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The bond referendum will need 60% of the votes cast to be yes for it to pass.This threshold is mandated by state law for bond issues put forth by counties, cities, school corporations and other local boards.

The city council voted unanimously last Tuesday evening to go ahead with the vote. Previously, they authorized the writing of the language to go on the ballot. This council vote was a final step of the process.

“I say let the community speak,” Councilman Jeff Clayton said.

The Operation Pool Committee, which has existed to give the city advice and additional resources for research and leg work for a potential pool project, has named a new campaign to foster community engagement and fundraising called Dive Into Project Pool 2027 Greenfield.

“The logo will have the [diving] board on it and dive is an action word, which tells us what we’re doing. The goal is to have this pool done and ready for use by 2027,” committee member Renee Schwartz said.

Committee members were using last week and this week to meet with various community partners to ask for thei support for the project, such as the Adair County Board of Supervisors, Nodaway Valley Community Schools and others.

An information table will be at the pancake supper this Thursday during the farmers market in Greenfield to get the word out about the upcoming vote.

Schwartz said that October will be a big month to raise awareness for the need of a new pool. Before that, an open house at the pool will be 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, where city public works staff and a few elected officials will be on hand to answer questions residents have about the current state of the pool and the need for a new facility.

The current pool opened in the early 1940s. Due to its age, the pool, associated systems and its bath house are all deteriorating and safety concerns have been raised. There are conceptual drawings that have been produced of a new pool, which would feature added accessibility and safety that the current pool does not have.