CAIRO — As temperatures rise with warmer months, so did questions of the fate of a City of Cairo pool. 

The Cairo City Council recently tabled action toward repairs for Holder Park pool and to gather more information, such as a splash pad option. 

The Grady County Health Department inspects the pool to issue a permit to open to the public each year, according to City Manager Chris Addleton. 

“The pool has degraded to such a point that we can’t do that this year,” Addleton said of getting a permit. 

The city received one bid for pool repairs for $77,350 from Irwin and Mahaffey Construction Company. The Watkinsville construction company built the Holder Park pool and provided repairs in the past. 

Addleton noted the pool is open for 10 weeks each year. While used “a lot” by Eastside Elementary School and the Jackie Robinson Boys and Girls Club, Addleton said, the Holder Park pool is one of the city’s most “under utilized assets.” 

“A pool is a big liability for anybody and I’m not sure it’s worth the risk,” he said. 

“They need something in that area,” said Council member DeMario Byrden. 

Council member Lannis Thornton said if the funds for repair could be found, the Holder Park pool should remain open.  

Addleton said a decision needed to be made soon to be able to open the pool for the upcoming season. 

“One problem is getting lifeguards,” he added. “Really, it all comes down to lifeguard availability.”  

Council member Jimmy Douglas suggested the city look into a splash pad option. 

Addleton noted a splash pad could be open for a longer period during the year and would not require lifeguards. 

Pool repairs have been delayed because the city was waiting on the status of the aquatic center listed on the 2007 special purpose local option sales tax ballot, according to meeting correspondence. 

In other business, the Cairo City Council: 

• Approved accepting low bid from HTS Construction Inc. for $792,346.34 toward the city’s airport project. 

• Approved rejecting all received bids and re-advertising for 15th Street SW street and drainage improvement project. 

• Approved appointing Byrden to the Downtown Development Authority. 

• Approved a special event permit. 

• Conducted a closed session on real estate; no vote taken after.  

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.