The Worthington outdoor pool renovation project is facing significant cost overruns that require City Council to consider adding up to $2.5 million to the original budget, according to a comprehensive update provided by City Manager Robyn Stewart at Monday's council meeting.
The Challenge
The project, which voters approved in November 2024 based on a $15.4 million budget estimate, is now projected to cost significantly more due to inflation, a booming Central Ohio construction market, and more detailed design work revealing additional complexities. The original estimate included a $4 million city contribution and an $11.4 million bond issue.
"The budgetary numbers were coming in high enough that we felt like we needed to have a conversation and not just say, well, let's move to bidding and cross our fingers," Stewart explained to council.
What's Driving the Costs
Several factors are contributing to the budget challenges:
- Construction Industry Boom: With significant construction activity across Central Ohio, fewer subcontractors are providing competitive bids
- Inflation Impact: The original cost estimates were several years old, and the inflation adjustments proved insufficient
- Supply Chain Uncertainties: Tariffs and material availability continue to impact pricing
- Detailed Design Revelations: Moving from conceptual to detailed design has revealed additional project complexities
Stewart noted that pool construction costs have increased dramatically, with average costs per square foot rising approximately 90% over the past decade, reaching an estimated $488 per square foot in 2024.
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Three Options Presented
The project team, consisting of city staff, design firm Brandstetter Carroll, owner's representative Williams Architects, and construction manager Rasilli, presented three options:
Option A ($17.4 million total): Add $2 million to maintain the full scope, with splash pad and bench seating as potential alternates. This would require additional bonding with approximately $160,000 annual debt service.
Option B ($16.7 million total): Add $1.3 million while reducing some features, including removing two lanes each from the 50-meter and adult pools, squaring off the activity pool design, and removing the existing pavilion. Annual debt service would be about $100,000.
Option C ($15.4 million - original budget): Maintain the original budget by removing significant water features, potentially eliminating the entire adult pool or substantially reducing the central pool size.
Council Response
Council members expressed strong preference for maintaining the project's scope and moving forward with Option A, emphasizing the importance of delivering on voter expectations.
"If we're gonna do this, we should do it right," said Council Member Kowalski. "We should do it in a way that pushes us forward into the future... we should always be thinking about 50 years."
Council Member Herman echoed this sentiment, stating, "I think as we look at these different options, option A would really be the one I would prefer. I like the idea also of looking towards the future."
Several council members emphasized that voters approved a specific vision based on Option 3 from the original presentation, and significantly changing that scope would require returning to voters for approval.
Timeline Impact
The budget discussions have already impacted the project timeline. The city previously determined that opening for the 2026 season was no longer realistic due to construction timeframes and material lead times. The project is now planned for completion in 2027.
Stewart indicated that while the council has some time for decision-making, extended delays could impact the ability to break ground this fall, which would further push back the construction schedule.
Next Steps
Council will continue this discussion at their July 14th meeting, with staff providing additional detailed budget information for review. The city is using a construction manager at risk model, which means Rasilli will eventually provide a guaranteed maximum price once construction documents are finalized.
Council Member Robinson requested detailed budget breakdowns comparing the original estimates to current projections, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining the splash pad component that was prominently featured in voter materials.
The discussion highlighted the challenging balance between fiscal responsibility and delivering on voter expectations, with council showing strong preference for moving forward with the full scope despite the additional costs.