PRATT —An anonymous donor has made a commitment to pay for a new city pool in Pratt just hours after voters approved a sales tax to fund a new pool.
In a statement on the city's web site, the community shared about an act of kindness "that is stunning."
"The Pratt Pool Project began in 2007 when the City was made aware of our failing pool situation. The City was informed then that the pool needed to be replaced in the next few years."
The issue was deferred through the years because of the perceived cost of a new pool and the burden it would put on the citizens. In 2019 the commission was made aware that deferring any longer would be a tremendous cost to the City, as well as a liability. A project began in earnest and a public input survey was conducted and a pool committee was appointed."
"In early 2022, a team of advisers including structural engineers, bond and finance counselors, and City department heads stated in solidarity that now is the critical time to replace the City Pool in accordance with the public input. After much research, discussion, and due diligence, the City Commission committed to proceed; consensus was reached that not making such a decision was a dereliction of duty. "
"It is with hearts full of gratitude that we now announce that a generous and selfless family has committed to paying for the City of Pratt Pool Project in full. Their strong desire to unburden their fellow citizens has led them to make this commitment of an estimated $6 million over four years."
"An agreement between this generous family and the City ensures that no tax dollars will be spent to bring the project to fruition. Please join us and your fellow citizens in a spirit of thanksgiving and celebrate this kind act; may it be remembered in Pratt lore forever."
The primary reason the donor made this incredible decision was so that no new taxes (sales or property) would be used for the Pratt Pool Project. The donation agreement in place ensures this."
"The agreement also ensures that even though the Pratt electorate voted Tuesday to authorize a sales tax to service debt for the Pratt Pool Project only, it will not be utilized. Doing so would be a direct violation of the donor's wishes and the agreement. The City of Pratt is committed to honoring the agreement and donor's wishes, which also includes remaining anonymous until the family wishes to make their identity known."