Blue like the color of the water in a swimming pool, envelopes containing letters and brochures will be mailed out this week kicking off a capital campaign for renovating the Elgin Swimming Pool.
With nearly two-thirds of the necessary funds already in hand, the Elgin Community Foundation (ECF) will seek to, in the coming months, complete fundraising efforts for the pool renovation which is slated to begin at the close of the 2016 swimming season.
The campaign got a big boost this week when it was announced that the Elgin Ko-ed Group (EKG) has donated $40,000 to the pool fund. Todd Heithoff said the primary goal of the EKG “is to raise funds for the betterment of our community through fun events.”
Built in 1959/1960, the community swimming pool was a favorite gathering spot for generation after generation of swimmers. But, like everything that ages, its usefulness has come to an end.
The project will be funded by three separate components. First, the Gerhard and Amelita Tunink Estate gifted to the ECF $496,000 earmarked for park and pool improvements. Then, in November, Elgin residents approved a bond issue by a 94 percent margin to finance $500,000 of the project. The remainder of the funds will come from a capital campaign now underway. There, according to the ECF, are two ways to support the swimming pool project. Supporters can either donate to the ECF or they can donate to the City of Elgin.
Earlier this year, the City of Elgin was awarded a tax credit from the Community Development Assistance Act. With a donation of $2,500 or more made to the City of Elgin, donors will receive a $1,000 tax credit to the State of Nebraska to be used within the next five years. This will result in a 40 percent return on your investment.
Smaller donations are always welcome and can also be made to either the ECF or the City of Elgin. Potential donors with questions on the tax credit should contact City Hall, Heithoff or Michael Moser.
Burbach Aquatics, based out of Wisconsin, has been working with local officials regarding the necessary pool renovations.
As previously reported, public bidding for the pool renovation project is expected to be put out in April with the opening of bids to be in late May/early June.
According to Dave Burbach, local contractors are encouraged to bid on these projects as the goal is to utilize as many local businesses as possible to see the renovation project to its completion.
