Finances Murky at Graydon Pool in 2013 Budget

As the Ridgewood Village Council wades through the Graydon budgetary waters, it will need to determine the financial impact cutting hours and slicing elements of its operation might hold.

According to Parks and Recreation Director Tim Cronin, the pool collected $393,821 in revenue this past year for a $250,000 budget. But the actual cost of running the pool aren't exactly known.

The Graydon Pool budget doesn't factor in indirect costs like salary for administrators, insurance and electricity costs. In response to Mayor Paul Aronosohn's question, Cronin said the fees from the pool do not cover the costs. He didn't know by how much, but said the pool is in the red.

When all costs were tallied in 2008 and 2009, the shortfall tallied around $140,000, according to Village Manager Ken Gabbert. In 2011, the shortfall fell to around $30,000 and is probably around that mark in 2012.

"So we're not covering it, but we're covering the vast majority," Gabbert said.

On paper, based on hard numbers the pool budget is "in the black," Councilman Tom Riche said, drawing a response from Aronsohn.

"It depends on the soft costs," Aronsohn said. "It's the only place in the village you have to pay to get it. It's different. We don't charge people to go to the library. You would think the fees would cover the cost of Graydon – not more, not less."

The council is grappling with a number of policy decisions for the upcoming year.

Preserve Graydon Coalition (PGC) says limiting the hours during two periods over the summer does far more harm than good. But keeping the pool open throughout the summer during morning hours will require a $15,700 hit.

There was also interest in better marketing the facility while considering private rental opportunities.

Council members also are exploring whether to keep the inflatible raft "The Wibit" in the water. It would save money in not having to pay additional staff, but some council members expressed concern that leaving it in the shed would lower badge sales from teens.

Then there are the incentives to bring people to the pool.

Just over 600 residents picked up free day pass coupons, which Deputy Director Nancy Bigos said cost the department $6,111 last year.

"If we're looking truly to save money, staff recommended we do away with that coupon and realize fees," she said.

Unfortunately, the department hasn't tracked how many used the free pass and came back to purchase full memberships.

"How can we suggest to do away with it if we don't know what the impact of that is to be?" Riche said. "We could have a negative revenue impact over the free pass cost."

Badges are sold beginning April 1, forcing the council to determine operating hours, and all programs before it passes its own 2013 budget.

"We'll do that soon," Aronsohn said.