Barrington officials discuss funding for deteriorating outdoor YMCA pool

The Barrington Town Council convened on November 25, 2024, to discuss funding for the local YMCA and the potential impact on the Haines Park project. The meeting featured public comments from community members and council members, highlighting the urgent need for financial support for the YMCA's outdoor pool, which has been deteriorating for years.

Jeff Barton, chairman of the YMCA board, emphasized the importance of the outdoor pool for the community, noting that without funding of $250,000 to $300,000, the facility might be filled in, leaving Barrington without any public outdoor swimming options. He pointed out that the last major fundraising effort for the YMCA focused on the indoor pool, which was completed over a decade ago.

Council member Romer Sais raised concerns about the financial implications of providing funds to the YMCA without a clear budget in place. He recalled past challenges in fundraising and managing budgets, suggesting that the council should ensure financial stability before committing to new expenditures.

Vice President of the Council expressed strong support for the YMCA but voiced opposition to reallocating funds from the Haines Park project, which has been planned for over two years. He highlighted the community's investment in the park project and the need to honor those commitments.

The discussions underscored the balancing act the council faces between supporting community facilities and maintaining fiscal responsibility. The council will need to consider the implications of their funding decisions on both the YMCA and the Haines Park project in future meetings.