The Brownwood City Council on Tuesday voted by a 3-2 margin to reject awarding a contract for the rehabilitation and repair of Wiggins Pool to Commercial Swim Management in the amount of $164,128.43 – but the matter will be revisited at the March 8 meeting.

The cost of the contract includes replacement of coping and expansion joint between pool and deck, sandblasting existing surface, repairs to damaged or rough concrete surfaces, and application of Ice Bay Eco Finish; Pump Room Repairs including replacing Five Horsepower pump, replacing Three Filters and Media, plumbing and materials, and repairs to damaged concrete or rough surfaces; Leak Detection including pressure testing of Skimmers, Main Drains, and Return Lines.

Commercial Swim Management’s bid expires on March 11, and city council – during a 35-minute discussion – expressed the desire to learn more about the differences between repairing the pool and installing a new one at the Wiggins Park location.

Commercial Swim Management stated it could start work in about a month, and the project will take approximately one month to complete. A new pool would require the City to complete the coming swimming as is, with a pool that is leaking, and demolition and installation would begin in the fall.

The City has budgeted $150,000 for the repair in the parks budget as well as an additional unmarked $20,000 for improvements at Wiggins Park.

Council member H.D. Jones stated in speaking with Heartland Pools, a new brand pool could be installed in the neighborhood of $100,000 more that the $164,128.43 contract. The new pool would also include three pumps instead of one, an aspect of the idea Jones firmly supported.

Council member Draco Miller felt additional money in the future – more than the $164,128.43 for repairs – should be used for restroom improvements and an awning at Wiggins Pool, which was built in the 1960s.

Miller proposed the motion to accept the bid for repairs, which council member Walker Willey seconded. Council members Jones, Ed McMillian and Melody Nowowiejski voted against the motion.

However, the matter can be taken up for again at the March 8 meeting, and council members requested the opportunity to speak with representatives from both Commercial Swim Management and Heartland Pools to further aid in a final decision.