At its meeting on Monday, October 6, 2025, the Peru (Illinois) City Council voted against moving to Phase Two of the proposed municipal swimming pool, effectively halting progress on the project.
The motion failed 2–6: Aldermen Rick O’Sadnick and Jason Edgcomb voted yes, while Jeff Ballard, Bob Tieman, Tom Payton, Mike Sapienza, Jim Lukosus and Andy Moreno voted no.
What Phase Two Included
Phase Two would have hired Kmetz Architects to produce approximately $500,000 in architectural drawings.
The design fee was set at 8.75% of the final construction cost, and work would have advanced detailed plans, cost estimates, and bid-ready documents for the pool in the Washington Park area.
Project At A Glance
Earlier concept plans described a $7 million facility featuring 25-meter competition lanes, diving boards, a water slide, and capacity for up to 434 swimmers at a time.
The favored site during committee discussions was the Washington Park vicinity, near existing recreation amenities.
Community Mood In The Room
Public interest was standing-room-only. Many residents urged aldermen to respect the earlier advisory referendum and proceed.
After the vote, Mayor Ken Kolowski expressed disappointment, noting there is currently no Plan B because a majority is not in place to advance design work.
Why The Vote Matters
Voters had previously supported an advisory referendum in November 2024 authorizing the city to construct and operate a pool funded by the hotel/motel tax, which passed with 68.6% support (3,396–1,553).
Several aldermen, however, questioned whether hotel/motel tax revenues alone could sustain long-term operations and maintenance, a key factor behind the no votes.
Financing options, including a possible 20-year bond, had been discussed in prior committee meetings.
Funding And Location: The Core Tensions
Supporters emphasize youth recreation, swim lessons, and regional draw, arguing a pool would boost community health and summer programming.
Opponents point to typical operating deficits at municipal pools, ask for a tighter business plan, and suggest re-examining the Washington Park fit (traffic, parking, and programming).
Without approving Phase Two, the city cannot begin site work, geotech, or construction bidding.
Key Facts & Figures
| Item | Latest Detail |
|---|---|
| Date Of Vote | October 6, 2025 (regular council meeting) |
| Outcome | Motion failed 2–6 |
| Yes Votes | Rick O’Sadnick, Jason Edgcomb |
| No Votes | Jeff Ballard, Bob Tieman, Tom Payton, Mike Sapienza, Jim Lukosus, Andy Moreno |
| Next Step Rejected | Phase Two design with Kmetz Architects |
| Design Fee | ~$500,000 (about 8.75% of construction cost) |
| Estimated Project Cost | $7 million (concept) |
| Proposed Location | Washington Park vicinity |
| Concept Features | 25-m lanes, diving boards, water slide, capacity ~434 |
| Funding Concept | Hotel/motel tax and potential bond financing |
| Mayor’s Reaction | Disappointed; no Plan B at present |
| Status As Of Oct 8, 2025 | Project stalled pending new direction |
What’s Next
As of Wednesday, October 8, 2025, there is no immediate timeline for design or construction.
The council could revisit scope, location, and financing in a future meeting, but any path forward will likely require:
- A clearer operating budget with realistic revenue and expense projections.
- A definitive funding stack (e.g., hotel/motel tax, bond, potential grants, or private donations).
- Consensus on whether Washington Park remains the best site or if alternatives should be studied.
The Peru municipal pool is on hold. The latest vote halted Phase Two, leaving supporters seeking a financially durable plan that addresses operations, maintenance, and site fit.
With strong public backing from the 2024 referendum but significant fiscal concerns on the council, the project’s revival will depend on a credible funding plan, transparent cost controls, and renewed consensus.
