(COLDWATER) – Branch County has agreed to give financial assistance to the Browne Aquatic Center in Coldwater.

During their meeting last week, the Branch County Commission voted in favor of giving $25,000 annually to the Aquatic Center for a ten year period. The money would go into a sinking fund to be managed by the Coldwater Schools, and would be used for any future repairs to the facility.

In addition, a uniformed rate for all Branch County residents would be available not only at the Aquatic Center but also the City of Coldwater recreational services.

Earlier this summer, it was announced that the operation of the
Aquatic Center had negative earnings of over $300,000 per year. The facility is owned by the City of Coldwater. Operations and maintenance are done by Coldwater Schools.

Coldwater School Board President Dr. Ed Lake and Coldwater Mayor Tom Kramer introduced the plan to the County Commission that would help fund the Aquatic Center. In includes an annual $125,000 payment to the Robert Browne Trust to Coldwater Schools, along with a pledge from the Trust to fund $1.1 million in needed repairs.

Lake shares with County Commission Chairman Tim Stoll that more Branch County residents would use the pool if this plan is approved. ...... {LISTEN}.

The plan also calls for the City of Coldwater to make a payment of $25,000 into the School’s sinking fund for major repairs at the pool. This amount is in addition to the $50,000 the City currently gives to Coldwater Schools, which allows City residents to receive a lower rate to use the pool.

The City and Coldwater Schools would also provide funding to hire a dedicated pool director to run and promote the facility.

The first payment from Branch County would be in 2025.