Budget conversations are ramping up in Georgetown as city staff continue proposing new ideas to cut costs for fiscal year 2025-26, including closing River Ridge Pool.

The setup

During a June 24 workshop, City Manager David Morgan said the city has significant pressures related to growth, specifically when it comes to public safety and streets.

Morgan’s updated budget presentation comes about one month after he presented several ideas on how to increase revenue and lower expenses as forecasts show the city could face an $80 million negative balance in the general fund by FY 2027-28 if no action is taken.

Zooming in


Out of three outdoor pools run by the city, Morgan said River Ridge Pool has the highest net cost per admission and is the least utilized.
The city spends about $71,000 annually to operate the pool, he said. With River Ridge Pool requiring nearly $200,000 in maintenance renovations over the next few years to remain open, staff recommended closing it instead, per the presentation.

The playground adjacent to the pool at River Ridge Park would remain open, Morgan said.

River Ridge was originally built as a neighborhood pool, but the homeowners association asked the city to take over its operations around the 1980s, he said.



What else?

Staff is also considering increasing nonresident fees related to Georgetown Parks & Recreation and Georgetown Public Library offerings or programs to help the city recover costs and maintain service levels, according to city documents.

A preliminary FY 2025-26 Georgetown budget workshop is scheduled for July 8, Community Impact previously reported.