Election Outcome (November 2025)

On November 4, 2025, voters considered a Town of Payson bond measure proposing the construction of a new Town Community Aquatics Center.
The measure did not pass.

The Town of Payson extends its appreciation to residents who participated in the election process and provided feedback throughout the project’s public outreach and engagement period.

Election Results

Archived Information

2025 Aquatics Center Bond Election

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Town considering a new Community Aquatics Center? 

Public surveys, statistical surveys, advisory committees, focus groups, stakeholder meetings and Council’s strategic initiatives have consistently identified a year-round aquatic facility as a top priority. Based on community input, the goal is to provide a Town amenity to meet the known needs of residents. The facility is designed to provide a multi-purpose pool that will serve residents of all ages, improve water safety, health and wellness opportunities, and provide a safe, inclusive community space.    

What features are included in the design? 

The proposed facility is based on extensive community input and includes: 

What is a “current therapy/recreational channel”?  

Why not just repair Taylor Pool? 

On May 14, 2025, the Town Council was provided with five pool options by Cole Architects, including Taylor Pool. Based on the professional evaluations that considered the age and condition of the pool and building along with current parking limitations, the Town Council selected the Malibu site for the new pool. 

Where will the Aquatics Center be located? 

The Aquatics Center will be located at 401 E Malibu Drive. The selected location is near the NE corner of Malibu and Manzanita (east of Town Hall) and will allow the Town to build a new Aquatics Center and parking area, as well as provide the Town future opportunities as the property is 19 acres.   

What is the timeline for the project? 

Construction documents are expected to be completed by early 2026, with construction beginning in mid-2026. The facility could be complete and operational by late spring 2027. 

Can the Pool be used year-round? 

The Aquatics Center is being designed to extend seasonal access as much as possible, with features that support programming beyond the traditional summer season. The facility may be open for lap swimming, lessons, therapy, and recreational use during spring, summer, and fall. The final schedule will be determined annually based on weather, staffing, and operational needs.  

Will this project affect other park spaces or athletic fields? 

No. The Malibu site is currently undeveloped so this project will not impact other athletic fields or community parks. 

How much will it cost to operate the Community Aquatic’s Center? 

Examples of operating costs include electricity, water, chemicals, custodial and maintenance, supplies and lifeguards.  In general, the cost to operate the Center will be based on how many days/hours the pool is open, how many use the pool, and how many programs are planned. User fees (such as entry fee, swim lessons, aerobic classes, and competitive meets) will provide funds to help cover the costs of operations. The operating budget will also be included in the Town’s annual budget process. New energy efficient pumps, lighting, and systems will help keep these costs down as much as possible. Costs can go up if the pool hours and programs are expanded. 

What will the bond funds be used for? 

If approved by Town Voters, the Town will issue up to $16 million of general obligation bonds to pay for construction of the Center. The ballot language permits the use on bond funds for the purposes of constructing, improving and acquiring a Town aquatic facility, including buildings, amenities and improvements; acquiring land for such purposes; to make improvements, additions, and replacements to existing and new parks and recreational facilities and buildings relating to a Town aquatic facility, and to landscape, furnish and equip existing and new parks and recreational facilities and buildings related to a Town aquatic facility.  

Will this bond increase my property taxes? 

 Yes. If the bond is approved by voters, it will result in a new secondary property tax in the Town of Payson. Currently, Payson does not have a secondary property tax. The amount of the increase will depend on the Limited Property Value (LPV) of your property and will be calculated according to Arizona law. 

To help you understand the potential impact, an Informational Pamphlet will be mailed to all registered voters prior to the election. It will include examples based on different LPVs, which are typically lower than the market value or purchase price of your home. 

What happens if the bond doesn’t pass? 

If the bond is not approved by voters, the Town will not have bond funding necessary to proceed with the Aquatics Center. Alternative funding sources would need to be explored, and the project timeline would be delayed, or the project may not move forward. 

Will the public get to vote? 

Yes. The Town Council has called a General Obligation Bond Election for November 4, 2025. All qualified Payson voters will have the opportunity to decide whether to fund the construction of the proposed facility. 

What will this cost taxpayers? 

Tax impact estimates will be finalized and published in the Informational Pamphlet as required by state law, which will be mailed to each household with a registered voter at least 35 days before the election.  

Will there be a cost to use the facility? 

Yes. Like most public aquatic centers, user fees will help offset operational costs. Council will evaluate fee structures to ensure accessibility while supporting sustainability. 

Will Payson residents pay less than visitors? 

Council may consider tiered fee structures to provide discounted rates for residents while maintaining access for all users. 

Why did the Council pause the project in 2024 and resume it in 2025? 

In October 2024, the Council voted to rescind the prior funding mechanism due to litigation relating to the former bond resolution.    After multiple discussions in early 2025 through work sessions and Council meetings, on June 3, 2025, the Council voted to refer a new bond measure to Payson residents for a public vote. The election will occur November 4, 2025.  

Has the public had input? 

Yes. Public engagement since 2020 has included: Public Workshops, Community-wide Capital Improvement Surveys, a statistically valid community-wide survey, stakeholder interviews and focus groups (youth, seniors, schools, nonprofits), regular updates presented in Council meetings, the Town’s website, and social media.   

Is the project final? 

No. Construction of the project will only proceed if voters approve the bond in November 2025.  

Disclaimer: 

This information is intended to provide factual details about the proposed Aquatics Center project and bond election. In accordance with ARS § 9-500.14, the Town of Payson does not advocate for or against the bond measure. Voters are encouraged to review the facts and participate in the November 4, 2025 election. 

Archived Information

Background information including discussions and official actions by the Town Council. 

Council approved funds: On November 10, 2022, to begin work on a preliminary conceptual design for a phased community recreation center with an indoor pool as the primary feature. 

Community Survey Results: The FY 23-24 CIP Community Survey closed on January 24, 2023, and the results were presented to Town Council on February 4, 2023. The results listed a Community Center with an indoor pool as #2 of the top requests desired by the community. 

Overview of the Council’s Strategic Planning Process: On February 4, 2023, at the Council Retreat, during the review of the Corporate Strategic Plan, an update was given to Council to fund the initial planning and conceptual design for the future aquatic center.  

Capital Improvement Program Citizens Advisory Committee (CIPCAC): On September 27, 2023, the Council heard recommendations from CIPCAC on multiple projects, including the Aquatics and Recreation Center. CIPCAC recommended that an Aquatics Center be prioritized over a combined facility. On November 7, 2023, the Town Council held a Work Study to follow up on these recommendations, discussing capital needs, funding mechanisms, and whether the Aquatics Center should be fully constructed or phased. 

Overview of Project Goals: The following project goals were first introduced on January 24, 2024 in the Staff Report to Council, and are based on stakeholder input gathered prior to the architectural and engineering procurement process. While not an all-inclusive list, these key goals have been consistently referenced and refined throughout subsequent Council meetings: 

Architect and Engineer Firm Selection: A competitive selection process was completed in the Fall of 2023 and an agreement for pre-design was executed December 15, 2023. Since this time initial planning, community outreach, data collection and analysis, pre-design efforts, and Schematic Design have been completed. 

Property: Multiple locations within the Town were assessed for the new Aquatics and Recreation Center, including the Taylor Pool site at Rumsey Park.  Due to parking issues and inability to expand on the site in the future, the Town Council ultimately selected a property on Malibu Drive as the best location.  The Town then purchased an approximately 17-acre property for the Community Aquatic Center and other potential future town uses on July 31, 2024. The property is located Southwest of the intersection of E. Malibu Drive and N. Manzanita Drive, just east of Town Hall. 

Pre-Design and Recommended Facility: A recommended concept was presented to Council on August 20, 2024. The concept presented was based on community outreach including focus groups, stakeholder meetings, community meetings and multiple surveys. 

The recommended facility included: An Aquatics and Recreation Center including two indoor multi-sport courts, and indoor multi- purpose pool with six 25-yard swimming lanes, zero depth entry, and wet play elements, slides, and other desired attributes such as scoreboards as budget permits, as well as other facility needs such as lobby, ticketing/ service & equipment check-out area, and staff and lifeguard work spaces. The project also included parking, an outdoor trail with exercise stations, and other amenities. 

The following next steps were also identified: 

Initial Design: On October 23, 2024, a Schematic Design (SD) was presented which represents approximately 30% completion of the project design. As part of the next steps a Construction Manager At Risk (CMAR) was selected through a competitive selection completed in the summer of 2024.  

Work Suspended: At the regular Council meeting on October 23, 2024, the Council voted to rescind the bond approval and subsequent direction was given by the Town Manager to suspend all contracts on all projects that were to be funded by the bond. 

Rumsey Park Working Plan and Pool: On February 4, 2025, a presentation was given to Council at a Work Study to provide an update on FY25 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects, including a pool at Rumsey Park.  

Site Assessment: On March 4, 2025, the consensus of the Town Council was to perform a three-part site evaluation on the Taylor Pool site in Rumsey Park. The three tasks included: 

Task 1: Facility condition assessment of Taylor Pool 

Task 2: Analyze aquatic center site relative to Rumsey Park Action Plan - Option 1  

Task 3: Rumsey Park / Malibu Site Comparative Analysis 

Council Decision: On May 14, 2025, the Town Council was presented with the findings from the Taylor Pool site assessment and was asked to select a location and project option. The Council voted the Malibu site as the preferred location with the community pool concept as the preferred project. 

GO Bond Election: On June 3, 2025, updated cost estimates were presented to the Town Council to consider the appropriate bond amount. The Town Council voted in favor of a general obligation bond election in the amount of up to $16 Million to be on the November 4, 2025 ballot. Due to preliminary costs estimates, the pool will not be enclosed but the ability to cover the pool may be available in a future phase. 

Archived Information

Council Decision Request: On May 14, 2025, the Town Council was presented with the findings from the Taylor Pool and Malibu site assessments and voted for the Malibu site as the preferred location with the Community Aquatics Center concept as the preferred project. 

GO Bond Election: On June 3, 2025, updated cost estimates were presented to the Town for a pool at the Malibu site. The Town Council voted in favor of having Payson residents vote on this matter as part of a general obligation bond election in the amount of up to $16 Million.  This item will be on the November 4, 2025 ballot. 

Archived Information

Links to Previous Council Meetings (updated 6-10-2025):

November 10, 2022 Regular Meeting

The Town Council voted to approve a budget transfer to initiate the development of a preliminary conceptual design for a community recreation facility.  

• Agenda
• Presentation
• CDR
• Video

February 22, 2023 Regular Meeting

Resolution 3319 Development of CIPCAC Committee

The Mayor and Council directed the formation of the Capital Improvement Project Citizen Advisory Committee (CIPCAC). This committee was tasked with reviewing the Town’s capital and infrastructure needs, prioritizing those needs, and evaluating potential funding mechanisms. CIPCAC was further directed to develop formal recommendations for Town Council consideration. 

• Agenda 
• Resolution
• Staff Report
• Council Board and Commission Appointment Procedures
• Video

Click here for CIPCAC Meeting Videos and Agendas

March 8, 2023 Regular Meeting

The Town Council held a public meeting to discuss and ultimately adopt Resolution No. 3320, establishing the Town’s Strategic Initiatives and Priority Goals for Fiscal Year 2023–2024. This Resolution included a new indoor pool.  

• Agenda 
• Staff Report
• Video

• Resolution

September 27, 2023 Regular Meeting

The Town Council received formal recommendations from the Capital Improvement Program Citizens Advisory Committee (CIPCAC), which included support for constructing the Aquatics and Recreation Center as a combined, concurrent project. The committee’s recommendations were informed by months of public input and evaluation of community priorities.

• Staff Report
• Presentation
• TOP Forum Presentation
• Video 

November 7, 2023 Work Session

The Town Council held a Work Study Session to further evaluate the CIPCAC recommendations, including proposed capital projects, funding strategies, taxation options, and potential implementation phases. During this session, it was determined that additional design detail and funding analysis would be required to decide whether the facility could be constructed in full or delivered in phases. Following Council direction, staff initiated a competitive selection process for architectural and engineering services. LPA was selected to lead the pre-design and schematic design phases of the project. 

• Agenda
• Video

January 24, 2024 Regular Meeting

The Aquatics Center design process was presented to Town Council.  

• Agenda 
• Staff Report 
• Presentation
• Video

June 26, 2024 Regular Meeting

The Town Council authorized the purchase of approximately 17 acres at Malibu Drive and Manzanita Drive for the future Aquatics and Recreation Center. 

• Agenda
• Presentation
• Resolution
• Staff Report
• Video

August 20, 2024 Special Meeting

Town Council received a presentation on updated cost estimates, community input, and conceptual design options for an Aquatics and Recreation Center. Based on this presentation, Council provided direction to move forward with Concept 1B, a multipurpose facility including a lap pool, zero-depth entry, slides, and community amenities. Council recognized it as the preferred design to meet community needs, maximize cost recovery, and allow for future expansion. 

• Agenda
• Presentation
• Video

August 21, 2024 Special Meeting

Town Council adopted Resolution No. 3409, directing staff to proceed with the legal and financial framework for issuing a Revenue Obligation Bond.  

• Agenda
• Resolution
• Staff Report
• Staff Report - February 6, 2024 Ord No. 964
• Presentation
• First Purchase Agreement
• First Trust Agreement
• Payson Tax Compliance and CDU procedures
• Continuing Disclosure Undertaking
• Obligation Purchase Agreement
• Prelim
• Video

October 23, 2024 Regular Meeting

Town staff and project consultants provided Council with a schematic design update for the Aquatics and Recreation Center. This update was informational only, with no formal action requested or taken by Council at that time.

• Agenda
• Staff Report
• Powerpoint
• Video

As part of the October 23, 2024 meeting, Town Council adopted Resolution No. 3423, formally rescinding Resolution No. 3409, which had previously authorized the issuance of Pledged Revenue Obligations to fund various infrastructure projects. This decision was made following a legal assessment that arose due to a legal challenge.  As a result, work on all excise tax–backed bond projects were suspended. 

• Staff Report
• Video

February 4, 2025 Work Study

Rumsey Park Plan Revisited: Council reviewed a 3-step evaluation for potentially reintroducing a pool at the original Taylor Pool location in Rumsey Park. 

Presentation/discussion regarding an Update on FY25 Capital Improvement Plan projects including Rumsey Park Working Plan and Pool, Event Center Design Work, and Green Valley Parkway. 

• Agenda 
• Presentation
• Video

March 4, 2025 Regular Meeting

Council Direction: Consensus to proceed with a three-part assessment on Taylor Pool site. 

Presentation/discussion regarding Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) 

• Agenda
• Presentation
• Video

May 14, 2025 Regular Meeting

Council Decision to proceed with Community Aquatic Center location at Malibu Site and authorize proceeding with construction documents of selected option. 

• Agenda 
• CDR
• Presentation
• Taylor Pool Assessment
• ROM Estimate of Construction Cost (Taylor pool)
• Rumsey Parking Study
• Video

June 3, 2025 Special Meeting

Town Council approved Resolution No. 3452 ordering and calling a Special Bond Election to be held on November 4, 2025, in and for the Town of Payson, Arizona to submit to the qualified electors thereof the question of authorizing the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds of the Town. This action allows the public to vote on the proposed Community Aquatic Center. 

• Agenda
• Resolution
• Staff
• Video

July 9, 2025 Regular Town Council Meeting

Payson Community Aquatic Center Project Update

• Agenda
• Staff Report
• Presentation
• Video 1:07:20 Timestamp

September 24, 2025 Regular Town Council Meeting

40% cost estimates update

• Video 1:01:27 Timestamp

Disclaimer: This information is intended to provide factual details about the proposed Aquatics Center project and bond election. In accordance with ARS § 9-500.14, the Town of Payson does not advocate for or against the bond measure. Voters are encouraged to review the facts and participate in the November 4, 2025 election.