Independence residents head to the polls this week to decide if they want to finance construction of a new public swimming pool. The $3 million bond issue is set for Tuesday (Aug. 4, 2015).

The city wants to replace the current 61-year-old municipal pool with a new one, at an estimated cost of around $4.2 million. City officials want to build the new swimming pool on the site of the former Independence Middle/High School building, which is scheduled to be demolished soon. The proposed site is a few blocks away from the existing pool.

The current pool was built in 1954 at a cost of $77,000. According to city officials, the pool has been in use more than two decades past its designed 40-year life-span. They said concrete on the pool is deteriorating it leaks, losing an estimated 4,000 gallons of water a day.

If voters pass the $3 million bond issue, supporters plan to raise the remaining $1.2 million needed to finish the project. Construction would begin in May 2016 and take about a year to complete.

The bond vote requires a super-majority vote of 60-percent to pass. Approval of the plan would result in a property tax increase. The owner of a home valued at $100,000 would pay approximately $60 more per year.

Polls in Independence will be open from noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday. The polling locations for the special election are as follows:

  • Ward 1: Falcon Civic Center, 1305 5th Ave. NE (Iowa Highway 150)
  • Ward 2: VFW Hall – 128 3rd Ave. NE
  • Ward 3: Public Health Meeting Room, 1413 1st St. West (County Road D-22)
  • Ward 4: Senior Citizens Center (South door) – 400 5th Ave. NE
  • Ward 5: Presbyterian Church (West door) – 115 6th Ave. NW

For further information, please contact the Buchanan County Auditor’s office at (319) 334-4109 or e-mail auditor@co.buchanan.ia.us.

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