The pool in Alameda Park should be renovated by next summer.

The Butler County commissioners on Wednesday approved advertising for bids on a $1.1 million project to make repairs and add new equipment to the pool.

Among the proposed work is installing a new concrete deck and adding slides.

Gary Pinkerton, director of county parks and recreation, said in an interview the project is scheduled to be done May 1.

“Our goal is to have a contractor on site Sept. 1,” Pinkerton said.

During the meeting, Commissioner Jim Eckstein opposed advertising for bids, citing concerns over cost.

Eckstein said the scope of concrete work, which includes an estimated $135,000 for a new deck and deck drain, could be reduced.

“Fifty percent of the concrete doesn’t need replaced in my opinion,” he said, referring to his experience as a contractor.

Pinkerton said Eckstein’s statement was not the case because of needed drain work, which is tied to concrete, and fixing tripping hazards.

“We’re doing the best we can to save what we can save,” Pinkerton said.

He said a large section of concrete, stretching from the first aid station to the concession stand and out to the side gate, will remain.

Pinkerton said no general fund dollars will pay for the work.

Along with a $400,000 state grant, the county will use money culled from sold timber and natural gas drilling impact fees.

However, Eckstein said costs should be cut no matter where the money is originating.

He pointed out people in the county who can’t use the pool have complained to him about the cost.

Eckstein’s argument did not sway his fellow commissioners, Bill McCarrier and Dale Pinkerton, from seeking bids for the project.

“Gary adequately explained my position,” McCarrier said.

Pinkerton said the project will be bid out with alternates, so the scope of work could be reduced if necessary.