The PWIA Board is actively working on possible operating scenarios for the pool for this year’s swim season. Unfortunately, the end of the COVID 19 pandemic is clearly not in sight. We can only guess when the return to normal will occur. More communication will follow as events unfold. And if members have concerns or questions not covered in the following discussion, please use the PWIA website to contact any of the Board members. Also, a virtual community meeting is being planned for the near future.
In many respects, last year’s swim season was a big success. The Board and staff navigated the County regulations for the pool without incident. And we learned lots! But to run the pool last summer cost around $131,000 (normal summer operation is around $160,000). Last year’s revenue was $45,000, so the pool ran a deficient of $86,000. 30% of cash reserves were used to pay this deficit. A repeat of that loss will be detrimental to the financial viability of PWIA. Just for reference, historically PWIA has had a balanced budget, revenue and expense matching.
The deficit was the result of 1) discounted swim dues; 2) membership 40% below normal: 3) necessary repairs in the late spring, and 4) labor costs required to operate the pool under County regulations. The Board expected a deficit and made the hard decision to accept the risk and support the community by opening the pool.
PWIA’s reserves are typically used for large pool projects like new heaters, re-surfacing, mechanical, electrical, one-time coverage for pandemic operations. An independent review indicated that PWIA’s reserves were appropriate. And with good planning, we can get back to that status. But we cannot experience another deficit of the magnitude FY 20 – 21.
In summary, to open the pool this year, we will need a certain number of members paying both swim and proprietary dues at a rate that will make the pool come close to break-even financially. The Board will share details with you as soon possible. If you, the membership, cannot commit to signing up and paying in sufficient numbers, we will not be able to open at all. We will use proprietary dues plus reserves to maintain the pool in an idle status. And PWIA will survive to once again be a valuable community asset and a source of fun and pride.
To help us understand the odds of opening, a survey is being prepared that you are asked to participate in. The information from this survey will be invaluable in helping the board determine how to proceed.
Thank You So Much, Stay Safe!
The PWIA Board
Park Wilshire Improvement Association
