By Tabitha Evans Moore
Editor & Publisher

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. —Moore County’s Metro Council voted 9-2 Monday night to authorize emergency repairs to the Lynchburg Swimming Pool’s aging pump and motor system, signaling that the community landmark is worth keeping — even at a loss.

There were two no votes: Greg Guinn and Robert Bracewell.

Mayor Sloan Stewart brought the issue to the council after the motor that runs the pool’s pump seized up during pre-season preparations last week. The equipment is estimated to be around 25 years old, and replacement parts are difficult to find. Costs could range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on whether the motor alone can be repaired or whether the pump must be replaced as well. Funding will come from the capital projects fund.

“I spent most of Friday and today trying to find one, which is not the easiest thing to do since the equipment is so old,” Mayor Stewart said. “We’re going to check on the option of rebuilding it as well.”

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The council approved the repairs knowing full well the pool doesn’t pay for itself. After lifeguard staffing, chemicals, electricity, and maintenance, the facility runs at a net loss each year. But no one argued against it.

“A lot of people use that pool,” Gerald Burnett stated. “There are people there all summer.”

The pool is expected to open this summer pending repairs. •

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