Gilmer County’s quest to build a swimming pool received some positive news. Two companies may be interested in the project.
This follows two attempts to bid the pool construction project which received no bids.
Two issues were raised by the companies, though.
Loy Jarrett, project supervisor for Gilmer County, said one company has suggested separating the wading pool and the main pool to reduce the amount of water used.
“They’ve come up with the idea that because the water turnover in the splash pool area versus the regular pool area, one is a two-hour turnover versus a six, so separate the two out,” he said.
Another possible company suggested removing the diving well to save costs.
“I know when we first started out we did not have a diving well,” said Jarrett. “Talking to most of the pool people, most of the public pools are not putting in a diving well.”
This would also reduce liability for the county.
Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris said two utility poles would have to be relocated because of the diving well, and this would not be the case if the diving well were removed from the design.
He said one company estimated the pool will cost just under $3 million without the diving well.
Gilmer County attorney David Clark said the county would need to get new engineering specifications for both changes.
He also spoke up in favor of the diving well.
“I don’t want to interject right here, but I am pretty passionate about this,” he said.
Clark said if the diving well is eliminated, it appears the pool is being built for the swim team and the water aerobics people. He asked the board to allow for public comment if the changes were going to be made.
It was decided the county would ask for two bids, one with the diving well and one without.
“I think if we got the two bids and then at that point the public can come and speak and let us know,” Post Commissioner Karleen Ferguson said.
Jarrett said he would contact the two pool construction firms and get some suggestions for an engineering firm.
“Everybody keep in mind Memorial Day of 2022,” said Paris. “I am firm on Memorial Day. I may have to change the year, but I am firm on Memorial Day.”