To the editor:
I was deeply disappointed in the decision by the SAD 1 Board to decline taking over the Pool and Forum. I understand they were disappointed no one from the city was at the meeting and I apologize for that error. If one looks at the SAD 1 system, you will find that all facilities are kept in excellent condition. Students are provided an excellent education with the cost per student one of the lowest in the state. I’m confident that under Dr. Johnson’s leadership these facilities would be improved significantly and, being integrated with the school system, could be operated more cost effectively giving our youths and citizens the benefit of better facilities with a minimal impact on taxes. The area students would all have the opportunity to learn to swim, hockey would be offered to the lower grades and new activities would be added, attracting more people, more revenue and business to the area.
At the present time, the city has almost $23 million in infrastructure needs. Though there may be more, these are the ones I know about: streets and roads $3.5M.; city hall $1 mil.; Forum $478,000; Pool $950,000; solid waste $6M; new community center $8M; downtown revitalization $3M — total $22,928,000.
It seems to me, before we spend large amounts on anything we need to know what our infrastructure priorities are, how and when they will be funded and what the impact will be on taxes. We need to finalize our financial forecast and our management audit prior to making any major decisions. Also, before making any decisions on the pool, the council should have a detailed analysis of usage.
Presque Isle
