The White Sulphur Springs City Council had a second reading of Ordinance 766 at their regularly scheduled meeting on Feb. 12, at City Hall.

The ordinance raises the monthly service fee from $10.50 to $15.50 for White Sulphur residents. Those who pay the fee will receive a free family pass to the new swimming pool, an ongoing project that will hopefully be completed this year. During the meeting, Mayor Bruce Bowling said the old pool should be demolished before the end of the month. Plans for the new pool were presented, which includes an “L” shaped pool design surrounded by seating areas, and a second, smaller, wading pool.  The existing locker/support building will be renovated, as well.

The Greater Greenbrier Valley Indivisible and Women’s March presented the council with a check for $3,000 to go toward the pool renovations. The money was raised by those attending the marches during the Republican Retreat at The Greenbrier Resort earlier this year. According to a press release sent by the group, “The donation is to demonstrate how grateful the Greenbrier Huddle is for the town’s assistance, protection and hospitality throughout the First Amendment demonstration outside The Greenbrier during the GOP retreat.  Since we are West Virginia strong and used to helping out our neighbors, this gift was a priority for the Greenbrier Huddle and many other West Virginians, as over 45 people contributed to this donation.”

In other news, the council approved to move forward with a TIF (or tax increment financing) project regarding the upgrading of the WSS water system, adding a sewer line to Caldwell, funding infrastructure for Valley Floor development, establishing a new laundry center at The Greenbrier, and adding a contingency for the development of a possible ski area on Kate’s Mountain.

The current TIF District in White Sulphur was created in 2004, and was used to fund a new wastewater treatment plant, according to a document provided by Larry Klein of The Sporting Club. The bonds for that agreement should be paid in full by this summer, creating an opportunity to fund the projects listed.

The new recommended TIF District will be extended to 2034, and $15 million (or more) in new bonds will be issued for the projects. According to the document, the TIF District owes its success to the Greenbrier Sporting Club, which provides numerous jobs and well as revenue through the sale of homes and home sites.

In total, it’s estimated that $2 million will go toward WSS water line repair, $3 million toward the sewer line project to Caldwell, $1 million for laundry site infrastructure, $8.5 million for infrastructure and improvements for Valley Floor development, and $500,000 for contingency. Remaining bond potential, or extra incremental “pay as you go” dollars, will be used for start-up costs for the ski area on Kate’s Mountain, including roads, bridges, utilities, etc.

The next White Sulphur Springs City Council meeting will be on Monday, Mar. 12.