During the FY 2026/2027 budget workshop on April 22, 2026, the Town discussed significant challenges opening the Stevensville pool due to lack of lifeguard applicants, low wages, and high certification costs. Staff noted the pool currently operates at a financial loss each year, lifeguards earn about $13.50/hour while other local jobs pay closer to $18/hour, and lifeguard certification can cost $90–$350 per person with at least eight to ten guards needed for full operations and lessons. Town leadership floated options including paying for or reimbursing certifications, raising wages (especially for guards who also teach swim lessons), adding retention agreements, and more targeted advertising, with decisions to be revisited in a special council meeting and subsequent council updates (including the May 28, 2026 informational agenda item on lifeguard onboarding). This is an active planning area where external vendors could help with workforce strategy, recruitment campaigns, training/certification solutions, pool financial modeling, or program redesign to make the operation sustainable while meeting community demand for swim lessons and safety.

The council is weighing whether the town can afford wage increases and certification subsidies while...