Jefferson Township narrowly approves funding SEBCO Pool repairs
The Jefferson Township Board of Supervisors, in a split decision, approved a $2.7 million renovation project for SEBCO Pool at Laura Doerr Memorial Park.
The SEBCO renovation vote won out 2-1, with Supervisor Lois Rankin casting the one dissenting vote.
“This is very good news,” said Greg Bauer, president of the SEBCO Pool Association. “I would like to thank the township and the community for their support in helping us move forward to keep SEBCO Pool around for future generations to enjoy.”
The renovation project will address aging and failing infrastructure, which dates back to when the pool initially opened during the 1960s.
“(The major work includes) the pool liner, repair of the underground supply and return lines, demolition of the existing filter room, construction of a new filter room and all the mechanical equipment,” said township manager Leo Rosenbauer. “The heater, pumps, stuff like that.”
The winning bid from Mainline Commercial Pools was opened in December 2025. At $2,701,080, it was the lowest bid the township received, but it still came in at more than $600,000 above what was budgeted for the project, requiring the township to allocate additional funding.
The township has stated multiple times the pool renovation project will not require raising taxes and the extra $600,000 will be pulled from the township’s existing funds.
Part of the project’s cost will be offset by grant funding. The township has $925,000 in grant funding from three different state grants.
More recently, a family trust has agreed to contribute an additional $150,000 to the renovation.
“It’s definitely a large chunk,” Rosenbauer said. “It helps bridge the gap between the $600,000 additional that was needed.”
Rosenbauer said at least one other nonprofit has also held talks with the township about making a financial contribution, but declined to identify the organization.
Due to the scope of the renovation project, the pool will not be open for the 2026 summer season, but Rosenbauer said the project is expected to finish in time for the pool to open for the 2027 season.
