Herrin aquatic center expected to reopen despite failed tax increase

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

HERRIN, Ill., (KBSI) — The Harrison Bruce Aquatic Center is still expected to reopen next spring despite voters rejecting a proposed Herrin Park District tax increase Tuesday.

Park board President Bob Scillufo said repairs already completed are sufficient to reopen the pool, although additional plumbing work and other improvements are still needed.

“So any additional repairs we’ll have to look at as we go,” Scillufo said.

The referendum would have increased the district’s tax rate from 0.20% to 0.25%. Scillufo estimated the increase would have cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $17 more annually in property taxes.

Scillufo said the proposed increase was discussed during two public meetings in October 2025. Residents were told the district would pursue a tax increase if private donations were insufficient to cover pool and bathhouse repairs.

Repairs necessary to reopen the pool cost approximately $86,000. An $80,000 donation from the Harrison Bruce Foundation covered most of the expense.

However, additional repairs remain. Scillufo said much of the bathhouse and basement concrete dates to 1958, and another leak was discovered in a basement wall after the pool was filled.

The district is also planning for future maintenance, including replacing an aging pump and repainting the pool within the next two years. Scillufo said the last painting project cost approximately $80,000.

Operating expenses remain a challenge. According to Scillufo, the pool generated $32,000 in revenue during one season, while payroll expenses alone totaled $41,000.

The district budgets for an annual operating loss of $60,000 to keep the pool accessible and admission prices affordable.

Other Park improvement projects are also facing funding challenges.

The district is pursuing a matching grant for an inclusive playground. A separate $75,000 grant obtained in partnership with the city is helping replace ballfield lights, although additional lighting improvements are needed.

Plans for new basketball courts remain uncertain after the lowest construction bid came in at $700,000, significantly higher than the district’s $400,000 estimate.

Scillufo said the board has discussed issuing bonds as a possible funding option.

Despite the financial challenges, Scillufo said the park district remains in good financial condition. A previous $50,000 loan for pool repairs is expected to be paid off in February.

The park board will now prepare its annual tax levy and determine which repairs, and improvement projects can move forward without the proposed tax increase.