Cache County Council Workshop Meeting – 05-26-2026

- The council workshop focused on a countywide recreation center proposal, with Whitney Ward of VCBO presenting survey results, site options, and preliminary cost estimates. The steering committee has not reached consensus yet, but is trying to narrow to a recommendation that could eventually go to the ballot. - Survey feedback showed strong county interest in indoor recreation, especially swimming/aquatics, indoor court sports, fitness areas, and indoor walking/track space. Ward said 10,397 responses was a strong turnout for a county this size, though the survey was self-selected. - A major takeaway from the survey was that most residents want a recreation facility within 10-15 minutes of home, and 66% said they would likely support a tax increase to fund one. Ward also clarified that the tax increase would not cover membership fees, which would still be charged separately. - The committee reviewed three distribution concepts: one centralized facility, two facilities (north and south), and three facilities (north, south, and center). The one-facility option is cheapest but was seen as less viable politically and geographically; the three-facility option best meets access needs but is considered too expensive. - Ward indicated the two-facility option is emerging as the likely recommendation because it balances access and cost. It would place one facility in the north and one in the south, each with a reduced but functional aquatics component, gym space, and room for future expansion. - Preliminary construction costs were estimated at about $168 million for three facilities and just over $100 million for two facilities. Operational modeling suggested the one-facility option could nearly break even, while the two- and three-facility options would require subsidies due to staffing and maintenance costs. - Council members and staff discussed whether the county should bond for construction while cities or recreation partners operate the facilities. Ward and Lindsay noted that the intent is for the county to raise the capital, while local recreation operators would likely run the facilities under some agreement. - There was discussion about using RAPS tax revenue to help cover operational shortfalls, but concerns were raised about fairness and whether that would reduce funds available for existing outlying-community recreation needs. The idea was treated as a possible option, not a firm recommendation. - Public education and timing were flagged as major concerns, especially with other possible tax issues such as fire district funding. Council members stressed the need for a robust outreach effort before any ballot measure, and Sandy noted the council would ultimately decide whether to place any proposal on the ballot. - The group also discussed access, drive times, and the challenge of balancing countywide equity with local preferences. Some members worried a countywide vote could fail narrowly while still imposing taxes on dissenting residents, echoing concerns raised by the earlier county library vote.