PORT TOWNSEND — Facing a general fund budget deficit of nearly $1.5 million, Jefferson County commissioners on Monday gave serious consideration to a request from Port Townsend for $5,000 to help keep the city-operated pool open through 2008.
The commissioners opted to discuss the matter further with county parks and recreation officials to come up with options to redirect $5,000 to the pool.
“We really have to think where this money comes from,” said Commissioner David Sullivan, D-Cape George, citing the possibility of pulling it from about $1.5 million in county reserves, or elsewhere in the county budget.
During a brief public hearing Monday morning, the commissioners heard suggestions and concerns about the budget process, which is expected to include another public hearing and continue through November.
The $5,000 city pool request was brought to the table by Commissioner Phil Johnson, D-Port Townsend, who voiced support for the funding along with Commissioner John Austin, D-Port Ludlow.
Austin raised the possibility of taking money from a county park, such as H.J. Carroll Park in Chimacum, and earmarking it for the pool.
