With the exceptions of the concession stand and cashier, an aquatic facility management company will operate the Alameda Waterpark this summer.

The county commissioners on Wednesday approved a contract with Jeff Ellis Management of Orlando, Fla., to operate the Butler Township water park during the 2021 season for almost $154,000, pending solicitor review of the contract.

In the past, the county parks and recreation department ran the venue.

The department will continue to run all parks and recreation programs except those offered at the water park, which will be conducted by the management company.

Lance Welliver, county parks and recreation director, said Jeff Ellis Management also operates pools in Dormont and Robinson townships in Allegheny County.

The management company would hire and certify lifeguards, complete background checks, schedule employees, provide customer service, supervise and oversee daily operations, maintain cleanliness of the facility, provide liability insurance, develop an emergency action plan and complete other tasks, according to documents from the company.

The county would continue to maintain the pool and provide the necessary equipment, such as lifeguard stands and umbrellas, and water testing equipment.

Commissioner Kevin Boozel said he had concerns about getting into a contract with a management company.

“It's a pretty major change for your department,” Boozel told Welliver.

Leslie Osche, commissioners chairwoman, said parks and recreation employees are frequently pulled to the water park when lifeguards call off or do not show up, or sections of the pool are closed because no lifeguard is on duty.

Per the contract, the lifeguards would be employees of the contractor.

Boozel said staffing for the water park runs about $125,000 per year, but Welliver said he believes the county will break even or come close by using the management company.

“It's pretty comparable to what we budget,” Boozel said.

Wil White, county solicitor, said while the contract is complex and there are items he must discuss with Jeff Ellis Management officials, he appreciates the insurance burden that the contract removes from the county.

White said the management company is offering $2 million in liability insurance, $1 million in workers' compensation insurance and $1 million in general insurance.

Osche said if the federal minimum wage is increased, the amount paid to lifeguards and staff would affect the contract.

White said the contract would be voided if the water park is forced to close this summer because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Those who are interested in working as lifeguards at the water park will be referred to Jeff Ellis Management, Welliver said.