(Photo by Gwen Sour) Clerk of Council Michele Newbanks reads the legislation to Marietta City Council regarding the Marietta Family Aquatic Center bids opening Monday evening.

During Monday evening’s Marietta City Council meeting and finance committee meeting, the conversation centered around fiscal responsibility, administrative planning, and ongoing efforts to address the operation of the Marietta Family Aquatic Center.

Members of council deliberated over an ordinance to authorize the Director of Public Safety and Service to request proposals for operating the Marietta Aquatic Center.

The meeting underscored concerns about previous financial losses and the need for a new approach. Councilman Jon Grimm raised concerns.

“We are proceeding down the exact same path we went down last year and realized a $60,000 loss. This has not been further discussed at all in committee,” he said. “I don’t think I can support just doing the same thing again and expecting a different result.”

Tensions ran high and sparked a debate between Director of Public Safety and Service Steve Wetz and Grimm highlighting the importance of fiscal oversight, with officials emphasizing the need to explore more efficient operations. Wetz noted that the request for proposals aimed to identify alternative operators.

(Photo by Gwen Sour) Marietta City Councilman Jon Grimm argues the financial costs surrounding the operation of the Marietta Family Aquatic Center during Monday evening’s Marietta City Council meeting.

“We’re trying to find somebody else that can operate more efficiently.” Wetz said. “That’s up to you to decide if you want to accept their bid.”

As the meeting progressed, members also discussed appropriations and budget allocations for 2025. A council representative explained the adjustments required to comply with state auditing requirements.

“If we don’t do this, we’re not in compliance with the state auditor, and we don’t want to irritate them any more than they already are,” Councilman Mike Scales said.

They further stressed the importance of recognizing the hard work of administrators who have helped guide the city through financial challenges. The discussion also touched on compensation for non-union employees.

“The total cost to the city will be about $140,000 for implementing the 3% raises for non-union employees this year.” said Scales.

The Armory is still operating as an emergency shelter for those who need to escape the cold. Before the meeting, a scuffle between two individuals utilizing the space occurred and several council members and shelter volunteers had to physically break up the fight. During the meeting, Councilwoman Erin O’Neill addressed the city’s homelessness crisis and efforts to address it.

“Tomorrow is our first meeting of the homelessness task force. We have about 18 people coming together to discuss these problems and come up with solutions.” said O’Neill. “I’m tired of people not listening to each other and adding back and forth the rumors and hearsay.”

Marietta City Council will meet for an additional special meeting on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Armory to further discuss the legislation surrounding the Aquatic Center.