Editor,

As a North Whidbey Park and Recreation District board member for the last 22 months, I have gained insight into what I feel is questionable use of maintenance and operation levy taxpayer-provided funds.

I only speak for myself.

The pool’s executive director recently signed a four-year contract with the Blue Heron Booster Club/North Whidbey Aquatic Club swim team. For the next four years, the NWAC swim team gets use of the pool at a flat rate of $5 per lane hour for an unlimited number of swimmers. There is no increase in their lane rate for the four years.

Meanwhile, the Oak Harbor High School swim team will pay $9.60 per lane hour this year and increase to $17 per lane hour of use in two years. All other pool users are charged for each person using the pool.

The executive director’s proposed rate for 2018 is $5 for each lap swimmer using the pool.

The new M&O levy will provide approximately 65 percent of the NWPRD income next year. Yet, because of past spending from our reserve account, we may still need to come back to the taxpayers in a couple of years for a pool repair bond.

Pool funding and pricing needs to be restructured.

Richard Fort

Oak Harbor