MAPLEWOOD POOL DEFICIT FINANCES TO BE DISCUSSED TONIGHT

Among the items up for discussion at tonight's Township Committee meeting is the financial status of the Maplewood Pool, which has been having membership declines and cost increases for the past few years.

We reported earlier this year that the membership had dropped 18% since 2010, while the pool had also seen a $140,000 deficit since 2013.

The agenda item states the TC will discuss "returning pool to self-liquidating status."

Asked to explain, Mayor Vic Deluca said via email that the goal is to return the pool to "financial self-sufficiency," adding, "expenses are outpacing revenue."

He said that although the pool is basically self-sufficient, there are overhead costs such as the $1 million bond used several years ago for the new water slides, which requires a $100,000 annual payment as well. He added that "other capital improvements and repairs are needed and the pool revenue doesn't cover the cost."

The mayor added that the Township may cancel some outstanding debt by the pool owed to the Township for such overhead.

Tonight's meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Maplewood Police Headquarters on Springfield Avenue.