The Susanville City Council has taken a significant step to potentially save the Lassen High School Grizzlies’ swim team by designating funds to maintain operations at the Honey Lake Valley Community Pool during the fall shoulder season. Mayor Mendy Schuster emphasized the urgency of the situation, drawing parallels to the hypothetical elimination of the baseball team to illustrate the importance of supporting local youth sports.
The council’s decision follows a previous meeting where members requested a financial report on keeping the pool open for the swim team. While the exact funding required is still under review, estimates suggest the city’s contribution could range between $20,000 and $24,000, potentially offset by the high school’s contribution and fundraising efforts.
Councilmember Patrick Parrish voiced concerns regarding the financial implications of this decision, urging transparency about future budget cuts necessary to accommodate this expenditure. City Manager Dan Newton acknowledged these concerns but indicated that it was too early to determine specific budget adjustments.
The Honey Lake Valley Recreation Authority (HLVRA), which governs the pool, will need to decide whether to reinstate its funding agreement with Lassen Union High School and manage scheduling changes. The HLVRA operates independently, despite its ties to local government.
Ultimately, the City Council’s unanimous support for the measure reflects a commitment to the local community and its youth, with the next steps resting on the HLVRA’s willingness to adapt its previous decisions for the benefit of the swim team.
