Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is this sales tax needed?
The Centre was built with funding from a ½% sales tax that expired. This facility is almost 25 years old and – similar to a house – components need to be replaced. The water slide is no longer operational, and the entire pool needs significant repairs. Many of the pumps and HVAC systems are worn out and need to be replaced. The needed repairs give the City the opportunity to reimagine the pool area into something different that increases the use of the building.
The citizens of Rolla have expressed a desire to have three components in a reimagined pool area - a therapy/exercise pool, a family/recreation pool and a multi-use space that can serve youth and adult programs. The proposed sales tax will allow the City to make these improvements. Funds will also be used for operating expenses and to help make the facility affordable for Rolla residents.
- How much will this cost me?
A ¼% sales tax will cost $0.25 per $100.00 spent. More than 50% of Rolla’s sales tax revenue comes from people living outside of Rolla.
- Why can’t the Parks sales tax be used for the Centre?
The Parks sales tax specified it was to be used only for improvements to Rolla’s outdoor park facilities. In recent years many improvements have been made to Rolla’s parks throughout the community with the Parks sales tax, demonstrating the City’s commitment to appropriately using the taxpayer funds entrusted to the City.
- Why is the natatorium (pool area) being changed from what was originally built?
The improvements needed in the natatorium are significant and give the City an opportunity to increase the uses offered at the Centre. The ballot language states the sales tax will be used to provide aquatic features such as the pools while also adding new functions through a multi-purpose space. As with any major remodeling project, the City has the chance to improve the space to better serve the needs and desires of the Rolla community.
- I can’t afford to be a member at the Centre. How does this ballot measure benefit me?
The ballot language approved by the City Council specifically states that funds from the sales tax will be used to ensure the affordability of the facility for Rolla residents. These funds will also be used for future maintenance and capital repairs to the Centre.
- What will be included in the reimagined natatorium?
The reimagined natatorium will include three elements that residents indicated through a community survey that they wanted to see in this space. Those elements are:
- Exercise/therapy pool
- Recreation/family pool
- Multi-purpose rooms for youth and adult programming
The reimagined natatorium will offer new elements and components that are not offered within the existing space.
- What will the improvements to the Centre look like?
The City engaged an architectural firm to develop concept plans for the reimagined natatorium using input from the Rolla community. These concept plans can be found on the City’s website. The final design of the improvements has not been made as the City does not want to pay for architect and engineering plans until we have a funding source to pay for the improvements. If the ballot measure is approved, the City will select a firm to finalize the plans for the Centre, ensuring it has the components identified in the ballot language. The public will have multiple opportunities for input and feedback on the design before it goes to construction.
- What is the cost of the improvements planned for the Centre?
Based upon the concept plans for the natatorium, the cost of the improvements range from $7.8 - $8.7 million depending upon the square footage of multi-use space provided. The improvements will be financed, similar to the original construction of the Centre. The ballot measure is expected to provide sufficient revenue to pay for these improvements, cover operational expenses and address future maintenance and capital improvements.
- Wasn’t the Centre sold to Phelps Health?
No – the Centre is owned by the City of Rolla. Phelps Health has a three-year lease for the recreation portion of the Centre, with the City operating the natatorium (pool) side of the building. The City has an operational agreement with Phelps Health outlining the sharing of revenues, utility expenses and shared staffing expenses. Phelps Health has introduced programs and initiatives to increase membership at the Centre. Under this public-public partnership, both entities benefit from the improved performance of the Centre. The City is, and will continue to be, the owner of this building.
- What will membership rates be?
The City Council included language in the ballot that allows these funds to be used to ensure the affordability of the facility for Rolla residents. Although the City cannot set the rates at this time as they will change over time, it is expected that membership rates will be reduced. Because the City Council added the language to the ballot question, it clearly directs the use of the sales tax funds to reduce the membership fees. Future Mayors and City Council members (elected by the residents) will give direction on the rates as they are set in future years. In addition to using these funds to affect membership rates, community funds such as the Recreation for Everyone fund can also be used to ensure residents have access to the Centre.
- What will happen if the sales tax measure doesn’t pass?
If the ballot measure fails, the operation of the facility will continue to be a burden on the City’s General Fund reserves. The pool will have to be closed as the City does not have funds to replace critical equipment. Closing the pool will still be a burden on the General Fund reserve as there are expenses to maintain this unused space. This means the City will be paying expenses associated for a facility that does not provide benefit to the citizens of Rolla. A facility that should be a source of pride for our residents will continue to require General Fund reserve support.
- I don’t belong to a gym – the Centre or any others. How does this benefit me?
The Centre is a regional facility that is more than just a gym or an indoor pool. The Centre is a community amenity that offers residents and visitors experiences that may not be offered elsewhere – from the display of artwork by Rolla artists to programs through the community rooms and the proposed multi-purpose space. The Centre is a community amenity that can help draw people to Rolla. This is critical when recruiting medical personnel or new businesses to this area.
- Can’t the facility be converted to another use like a Police station?
No – the grant funding used to purchase Ber Juan Park requires the Centre to remain an indoor recreational facility. If the Centre were converted to a non-recreational use, the City will be required to purchase additional property to replace the loss of that area – often at three times the size of the original area – to replace the space that is no longer considered a recreational use.
- I’m an independent and don’t vote in primaries. Can I still vote on this issue?
YES! All registered voters for the City of Rolla, are encouraged to vote on this issue to ensure their voice is heard. Below is information from the Secretary of State’s website.
Individuals voting in the Primary Election may select a party ballot of their choice (Section 115.121.2, RSMo.). Voters who do not wish to select a party ballot may request a ballot containing other issues, if their jurisdiction’s ballot contains issues.
