Petaluma pools may privatize

A private company will take over management of Petaluma’s two public swimming pools under a money-saving proposal that will allow a longer season.

The cost of swim lessons will almost triple, but other fees will remain the same and the company, Novato-based Forevers Aquatics, will hire existing lifeguards and other part-time staff, said Scott Brodhun, Petaluma’s director of parks and recreation.

The arrangement could save the cash-strapped city up to $260,000 a year and is likely to extend the swim season beyond its current 17 weeks, Brodhun said.

“In this day and age, the extent to which we can expand programs is directly reflective of how successful we are in creating partnerships,” Brodhun said.

Tom and Liz Evers of Forevers Aquatics did not return phone calls this week.

The City Council will consider the proposal Monday.

Last year, the city slashed hours at both the Petaluma Swim Center and Cavanaugh Pool in response to a multimillion-dollar budget deficit.

The season, once 34 weeks long, was cut in half, reducing part-time staff and saving utility costs. The pools also saved money by contracting with Forevers Aquatics, which is associated with Swim America, for lessons.

With an additional $3 million shortfall expected in the fiscal year beginning in July, Brodhun said it was clear more expenses need to be trimmed.

Brodhun said he examined the possibility of allowing local swim clubs to manage the pools, but ultimately turned to Forevers Aquatics, which operates programs at Indian Valley College pool and College of Marin.

At a minimum, the company will open Cavanaugh Pool from May 1 to Sept. 25, and the Swim Center from May 23 to Sept. 25.

The city will continue major maintenance of the pools and have control over scheduling and programs, but Forevers Aquatics will be responsible for staffing and day-to-day operations.

The company will be allowed a 25 percent profit margin. Excess revenue will be split with the city.

The biggest change in fees will be in the area of lessons, which will jump from $50 to $140 a session. However, the student-teacher ratio will be cut in half and there may be discounts, scholarships and fee waivers for people who can’t afford to pay, Brodhun said.

“I think generally the community is going to embrace this opportunity,” Brodhun said.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 762-7297 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com.