09/09/2026
Mayor Boelk Addresses Mendota Public Pool
The Mendota City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 8 had plenty to talk about and motions to pass, but there wasn’t a louder talking point than the Mendota Public Pool.
Mendota Mayor Dave Boelk began the meeting with the pool discussion because many are talking about it on social media. He said he likes to do things right and sometimes it takes money.
Instead of the proposed fix, which is estimated at $1.5 million, Boelk said building an entirely new pool may be the best solution. He looked into 15-year bond figures last week of $5, $6 and $7 million. The research showed, if a tax payer owns a $200,000 house, their taxes would approximately increase $200-230 per year.
The pool, built in 1958, had bonds taken out for repairs in 1992. The swimming bool was closed for the 2026 season because of needed repairs.
“It’s a hot topic. There are people talking about the pool on Facebook. This is why I brought it up tonight publicly,” Mayor Boelk said. “This is a large expense. A very large expense. I don’t think we’re hearing from every group on Facebook. I put it out to the public tonight to call their aldermen and call me with any concerns whether you’re for or against it.
“I don’t believe in doing something half way. I think applying a $1.5 million Band-Aid this year, within two or three more years, we’re going to spend another $1.5 million or $2.5 million on the pool. To put it all together, $5-7 million, why don’t we just deal with it now.
“But when we looked into bonds, taxpayers will pay $200 or more a year. I have always said, ‘You can’t squeeze a tomato or a taxpayer until there is no juice.’ I’m not a believer in raising taxes unless we have to.
“A pool is a want. It’s nice to have for economic development. But it’s not a necessity. I try to be fair because I know the youth don’t have the world of things to do, but I also think the public of Mendota doesn’t give enough credit to what we do have. Our parks are awesome; second to none in the area.
“If I’m going to do something and put my name on it, it’s going to be done right. I can’t see putting a Band-Aid on the pool for $1.5 million. I know $5-7 million sounds like a lot for a new pool, but the Band-Aid will lead to about the same money spent or more.”
In a statement handed out by the City of Mendota, it states Burbach Aquatics was brought to Mendota in 2024 to assess the condition of the pool. The company told the city the pool had extended its life and the efforts of the city’s repairs over the years.
It also gave a $6-million estimate on a new pool. More research led to the possibility of fixing the pool for $1-2 million.
“The City of Mendota understands how important the pool is to Mendota families and also recognizes the responsibility that comes with spending taxpayer dollars,” the City of Mendota staff’s statement read. “Our goal is not simply to reopen the pool as quickly as possible, but to carefully determine which investment provides the greatest value and the most sustainable future for our community.”
Also at the meeting, City of Mendota Project Director Annie Short reminded attendees of Amigo Fest happening on September 19. She also stated many volunteers are still needed.
There have been questions and concerns about the new playground at Strouss Park brought to the attention of the city staff. They have contacted, GameTime, the playground equipment company to see if Mendota can fix it or if they need to wait for GameTime to not affect the warranty.
At 5 p.m. September 21, a listening center for a grant to build a sidewalk from the train depot to the hospital will be available at the Mendota City Council Chambers in the Mendota Police Department.
Halloween is right around the corner as Trick-Or-Treating at the downtown businesses will be held from 3-5 p.m. October 30 and the residential festivity will be from 5-8 p.m. October 31.
Motions were made and passed to approve a $7,000 facade grant under historic preservation to Garcia -- Evermarked, LLC (a new business coming to town) and to change ambulance rates due to new state and federal regulations.
