JC commissioners still discussing repairs to Freedom Hall swimming pool

Johnson City commissioners are still looking at the possibility of repairs to Freedom Hall’s swimming pool, even as they consider a $37 million brand new aquatic center. During Thursday’s budget meeting, commissioners discussed the 9-cent property tax increase that would be required to fund a new aquatic center. If it’s approved, the new aquatic facility could be completed as early as the fall of 2028 and would include an indoor competition pool. The city closed the aging Freedom Hall pool on April 3 due to structural damage, which city officials said made routine maintenance unsafe for city staff. Commissioners asked city staff on May 7 to seek bids for repairs and could receive bids on repairs by mid-June. An engineering study last year estimated it would cost about $750,000 to repair the pool and add up to 10 years to its lifespan. There is no estimates on when repairs could be completed, and how close to a new pool’s opening that would be if a plan for Freedom Hall gets approved.