The advisory referendum asking City of Burlington residents whether they support spending up to $5.4 million to replace a crumbling 50-year-old community swimming pool rode a tidal wave to victory in Tuesday’s election, according to unofficial results reported by the City of Burlington.
The referendum question won support of nearly a 70 percent of voters at 3,383 to 1,466 – a difference of 1,917 votes.
Members of the Burlington Community Pool Board, which championed the cause of a new pool and campaigned vigorously during the past 45 days celebrated the results reported by Mayor Jeannie Hefty during a gathering at the Coffeehouse at Chestnut and Pine.
The matter is now in the hands of the City Council, which is scheduled to vote on the proposal Dec. 6. Hefty said Tuesday night the council received a clear message from voters in the margin of referendum support. However, she cautioned that a vote in favor of the pool is not a forgone conclusion. The latest estimate puts the cost of the proposed pool at $4.99 million
If the council approves the financing, the new facility — with waterpark amenities — could be headed toward a spring 2018 opening if all goes to plan. A team of engineers, architects and aquatics experts has been compiled by Ayres and Associates, a consulting firm that has contracted with the city for the project.
Pool Board members said it is their goal to keep the current pool open through the 2017 season.
See Thursday’s Burlington Standard Press for a full report on the referendum passage.
Complete results from the city’s vote can be found by clicking the following link: City of Burlington election results
More election coverage: Area Republicans ride red wave to victory
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