The Hamilton municipal pool will be closed for up to a year in what opponents describe as a "death sentence", dreams of a new indoor community sports centre in the city have been shattered and the YMCA and three blocks of pensioner flats will be sold.
The city council yesterday sacrificed some big projects in favour of staying focused on slashing the city's debt as it looks to sign off its long-term plan by the end of the week. But in an unexpected move it will debate again on Friday removing fluoride from the city's water supply at a saving of $45,000 a year despite last year deciding to hold a referendum on the issue at the next election.
The neglected and leaky municipal pool will remain closed for up to a year while the council spends $50,000 investigating repair work needed. Swimming Waikato has that time to put together a business case on whether the pool's long-term future is viable under a trust.
No extra money is in the budget for the pool, including future remedial work estimated at $475,000 or operating costs, which councillors pushing for the pool to remain open labelled "fiscally irresponsible".
Councillor Ewan Wilson said closing the pool for a year was a "death sentence", while Deputy Mayor Gordon Chesterman said the pool was "heritage but dilapidated" and the council needed to explore all its options.