June 24, 2008 — The Lassen County Board of Supervisors said it is time for the voters to decide if Susanville will havea new pool. For nearly four years, residents and local officials have been discussing ways to get a new pool or renovate Roosevelt Pool, which was condemned on Dec. 23, 2004.

The supervisors are setting aside time at their July 15 meeting to allow voters to voice their opinion on the pool issue.

Supervisor Jim Chapman proposed the board form a County Service Area for the purpose of getting a pool — not an aquatic center or sports center.

Board members agreed over the past several years the concept of a pool has expanded and each entity had its own ideas of what should be added to the different funding sources.

For instance the Lassen Union High School District had plans to place a pool on its Credence High School campus but agreements with the county stopped when the school board began discussing using funding for new bleachers and fixing the gym foyer.

“We do not need anything fancy, just a pool,” said Chapman.

The five board members were in complete agreement that the November ballot needs to have a special tax measure asking voters if they will support a pool. Chapman suggested asking if the voters were willing to maintain and operate a pool for $20 a year.

Chief Administrative Officer John Ketelsen said one problem he sees is if the wording is not exact, voters will expect the supervisors to also build a pool even if the measure calls only for operation funding.

Supervisor Brian Dahle asked if $20 a year per assessment is enough.

“Why ask for a penny when you need a dollar?” asked Dahle.

The measure because it is a special tax would have to pass by two-thirds of the voters.

Ketelsen, taking the devil’s advocate approach, said it was unlikely the voters would pass the measure if the board asked for too much money. He reminded the board it took three tries before the voters passed a library assessment.

Chapman said Ketelsen was right; it may take three tries but it is time to settle the issue once and for all.

Because the measure would incorporate the city of Susanville, the City Council would have to also pass a resolution consenting to the inclusion of the incorporated territory of the CSA.

The idea was presented to the city council at its Wednesday, June 18 meeting and the consensus of the council was that the idea was a good one.

The supervisors meet at 9:30 a.m. on the second, third and fourth Tuesday of the month at 707 Nevada St. They plan to receive public comment at the July 15 meeting.