Half-cent sales tax increase to take effect Friday; proceeds toward new pool, Buck Run

The sales tax passed by the citizens of Fort Scott on April 5 is set to take effect Friday.

By an overwhelming margin, the 10-year, half-cent sales tax to fund a $3.9 million renovation to the municipal pool and an addition to Buck Run Community Center was passed. Of the $3.9 million, $400,000-$500,000 will be used to fund a 6,000-square-foot addition to the south end of Buck Run Community Center with the remainder going to fix the city's vintage 1936 pool.

Planning for the pool has already begun and it is expected to be completed in time to open for the 2012 swimming season.

In addition, preliminary estimates for the completion of the Buck Run Community Center is about six months.

Improvements to the swimming pool will include the addition of features previously removed for various reasons, such as diving boards and various water features. The bathhouse will be removed and a new one constructed to bring the pool back into compliance with safety and accessibility regulations.

The addition to Buck Run Community Center will include the construction of an accessible fitness room, shower facilities, as well as a muli-purpose room. During construction at Buck Run, a temporary entrance will be made in the back of the building so patrons can still access the facilities. A portion of the parking lot will be fenced off during construction, limiting available parking on the south side of the building.