County to Decide on Aquatic Center

The are set to decide Tuesday night whether or not to proceed with plans for a multi-million-dollar aquatic center in Holly Springs.

The commissioners approved a business plan already but postponed a decision at their last meeting on whether or not to take bids on the construction.

The approximately $15 million project, located at Gresham Mill Parkway at Sixes Road in Holly Springs, was approved and funded as a part of Cherokee County’s Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond that passed in November 2008.

However, it will be two years before the center is able to support itself, according to projections.

The operational money would come from the general fund until that time, said Chairman Buzz Ahrens.

But some in the community have questioned any additional spending during this economy.

"The world is a lot different today than it was when voters approved that bond," Carolyn Cosby told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

"In this economy it would never have passed."

Ahrens said he isn't worried at all about funding operations down the road.

You have to remember this is 18 months from now," he said Monday. Fees could be adjusted and additional revenue sources found.

The decline in the real estate market has lowered tax revenue for the county by about $1.4 billion.

The commissioners recently raised taxes and have whittled the budget down by not filling vacant positions, combining services and other cost cutting measures.

Cosby and other residents have formed a group called the Citizens Committee and will present areas they would like to look into where the county can cut costs at Tuesday night's meeting.

Plans for the new aquatic center include indoor and outdoor facilities. Outside is a combination pool, lazy river and water slides. Inside includes a 50-meter competitive pool with spectator platforms, plus a therapy pool for water aerobics etc.

There are also party rooms for birthdays and locker and showering facilities for residents.

Proposed fees to use the new aquatic facility are $5.50 a day and $115 for a three-month pass.